1981 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 31 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | ML |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 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 Length | 3770 mm | 4803 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 2141 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1796 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 93 L |
