1996 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (423 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 905 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 526 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1834 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 423 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5096 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 3035 mm |
