1990 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1990 Honda Civic. (150 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Honda Civic.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Honda Civic. (148 Nm @ 7000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Honda Civic. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | C |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
