1977 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1977 Honda Civic. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1977 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1135 kg more than 1977 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Honda Civic | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1169 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 80 L |
