2004 Honda Civic vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Honda Civic is newer by 8 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 5,987 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 271 more horse power than 2004 Honda Civic. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1086 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 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) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Civic. (149 Nm). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Civic | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1154 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2890 mm |
