1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2011 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 341 kg more than 2011 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 280 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 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2011 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2011 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | 280 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4503 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2700 mm |
