1973 Honda 145 vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1973 Honda 145 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (108 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Honda 145. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda 145. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1973 Honda 145. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 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 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda 145, 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, 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 (187 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda 145. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda 145.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda 145 | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 145 | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1432 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
