1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1980 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1980 Honda Ballade is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 574 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 1980 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1980 Honda Ballade | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
Model | 230 | Ballade |
Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2298 cc | 1335 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 67 HP |
Torque | 205 Nm | 108 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.5 mm | 72 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 82 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 786 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4150 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2330 mm |