1986 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 20 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1986 Honda Civic. (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 885 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 2006 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Honda Civic. (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Honda Civic. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1986 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1986 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 4860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2720 mm |
