1980 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 235 kg more than 1980 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | A |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 54 L |
