2012 Honda Insight vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Honda Insight would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 594 kg more than 2012 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 533 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Honda Insight | 2013 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | E |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 511 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | CVT | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1246 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4376 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1694 mm | 2071 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1427 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2874 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.3 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.7 L/100km | 13.6 L/100km |
