1988 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (216 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 655 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | C |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
