1980 Honda Ballade vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP) has 252 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 915 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ballade | 500 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 326 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2810 mm |
