2008 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S

To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 3 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (536 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 447 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 950 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 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (799 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 669 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (130 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Honda Civic 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
Make Honda Mercedes-Benz
Model Civic S
Year Released 2008 2011
Body Type Hatchback Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1396 cc 5500 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 89 HP 536 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 130 Nm 799 Nm
Torque RPM 4300 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1280 kg 2230 kg
Vehicle Length 4150 mm 5245 mm
Vehicle Width 1700 mm 1872 mm
Vehicle Height 1450 mm 1473 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 3165 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 50 L 80 L