2001 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (305 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2001 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 655 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2001 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
