1979 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (108 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1979 Honda Civic. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 2035 kg more than 1979 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Civic. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Civic | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | A |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
