2008 Honda Civic vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500

To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2008 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 has manual transmission. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Honda Civic 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
Make Honda Mercedes-Benz
Model Civic 500
Year Released 2008 1990
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1797 cc 4973 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Horse Power 140 HP 326 HP
Engine RPM 6300 RPM 5700 RPM
Torque 174 Nm 480 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 3900 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.5:1 10.0:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1180 kg 1730 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 4750 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1890 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1430 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2810 mm