1981 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1000 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLK |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
