1983 Honda Civic vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1983 Honda Civic is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 515 kg more than 1983 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 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 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Civic | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 21.0:1 |
| 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 | 1300 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
