1996 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 6,898 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (604 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 466 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (770 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 596 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLK GTR |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 6898 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 770 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2680 mm |
