1974 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1974 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1974 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 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 451 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Civic | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | E |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2970 mm |
