1974 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1974 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 595 kg more than 1974 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Civic | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
