1990 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 954 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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 S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | S |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
