1988 Honda Civic vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 320 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 760 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 426 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Civic | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 8 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2430 mm |
