1972 Honda Z vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Z would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1972 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1972 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Honda Z, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Z | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Z | E |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2840 mm |
