1996 Honda Civic vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 11 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 510 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
