1987 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 380 more horse power than 1987 Honda Civic. (130 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1055 kg more than 1987 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 577 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Honda Civic. (143 Nm @ 5700 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Honda Civic. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1987 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Honda Civic | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2570 mm |
