1986 Honda Civic vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1986 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Honda Civic | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | SL |
Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 125 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 142 Nm | 267 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 88.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 80.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1820 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2520 mm |