1983 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (94 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 650 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (271 Nm) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1983 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1983 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Civic | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 88 L |
