1973 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1973 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1325 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 381 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Honda Civic | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1168 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3090 mm |
