1981 Honda Civic vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1981 Honda Civic is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 575 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Honda Civic | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | SL |
Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1333 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 93 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |