1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 823 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Honda Civic. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | C |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
