1986 Honda Civic vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 430 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz E (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 1976 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | E |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2800 mm |
