1996 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 16 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), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (263 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 590 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 446 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | C |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
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 | 263 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 174 Nm | 620 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4606 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1459 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2760 mm |