1988 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 95 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
