1996 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 5,459 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1275 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 GL 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 GL 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 GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | GL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 5459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3080 mm |
