1980 Honda Ballade vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP) has 315 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1425 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ballade | S |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 389 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2890 mm |
