1990 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1990 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (240 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 582 kg more than 1990 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 7100 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1990 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1990 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | 500 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7100 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
