2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,148 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (169 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 135 kg more than 2003 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 C 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 C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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 C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic. 2003 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | C | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1590 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 50 L |
