1999 Honda Odyssey vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1999 Honda Odyssey is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz G would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Odyssey (238 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 26 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Honda Odyssey (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz G. 1999 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1981 Mercedes-Benz G has manual transmission. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Odyssey | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Odyssey | G |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2860 mm |
