1972 Honda Civic vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 540 more horse power than 1972 Honda Civic. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1972 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1275 kg more than 1972 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 901 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Honda Civic. (100 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Honda Civic | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2570 mm |
