1978 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1978 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1137 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 541 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | CLS |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 264 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 79 Nm | 620 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 678 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2875 mm |