1987 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 835 kg more than 1987 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1987 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1987 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Civic | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | S |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3722 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 3090 mm |
