1997 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,193 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 495 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz E (270 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 2002 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1832 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2720 mm |
