1999 Honda Insight vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Honda Insight would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 427 more horse power than 1999 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1999 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Insight, 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 577 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Insight | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | S |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3090 mm |
