1987 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 24 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (264 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 915 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 477 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Civic | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLS |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2875 mm |
