1963 Honda S500 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 312 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 514 kg more than 1963 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 465 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1963 Honda S500 has manual transmission. 1963 Honda S500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S500 | SLK |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
