1988 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 17 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (101 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1580 mm |
