1976 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 1976 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1230 kg more than 1976 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 451 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Honda Civic | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 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 | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2560 mm |
