1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 931 kg more than 2012 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 443 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (127 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | S | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5985 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 1249 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1785 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1460 mm |
