1984 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 490 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1984 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1984 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Honda Civic | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
