1996 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML is newer by 13 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 940 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML (510 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2009 Mercedes-Benz ML | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | ML |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2130 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2920 mm |
