1981 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 30 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1640 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | GL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 100 L |
