1988 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 500 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.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| 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 | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
