1981 Honda Civic vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 (120 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 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 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | 220 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
