1976 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1976 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1976 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 935 kg more than 1976 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Honda Civic | 1979 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | S |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2860 mm |
