1980 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 32 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (136 HP @ 2800 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | C |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 66 L |
