1983 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 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 5,506 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 434 more horse power than 1983 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1983 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 910 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 2006 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 2006 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 706 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Honda Civic. (94 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Honda Civic. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Honda Civic | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 5506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 94 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
