2008 Honda Civic vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 450 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK has automatic transmission and 2008 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2008 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | CLK |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 8.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
