2005 Honda Insight vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Honda Insight is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2005 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 720 kg more than 2005 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Insight | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | E |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2840 mm |
