1996 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is newer by 7 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo weights approximately 366 kg more than 1996 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
