1984 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Honda Civic (101 HP) has 13 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 240 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1984 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1984 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | A |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 88 HP |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 173 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 855 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 54 L |
