1983 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 945 kg more than 1983 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 416 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 1983 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1983 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Civic | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
