1973 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (60 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 965 kg more than 1973 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Honda Civic, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz E (531 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (103 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Civic | 1997 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | E |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 60 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2840 mm |
