1974 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1974 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 970 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 2005 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 2005 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | E |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2860 mm |
