1974 Honda Life vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 481 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1555 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Honda Life, 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 802 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1974 Honda Life has manual transmission. 1974 Honda Life will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Life | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
