1988 Honda Legend vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Legend would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 322 more horse power than 1988 Honda Legend. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 695 kg more than 1988 Honda Legend. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Honda Legend, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 579 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Legend. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Legend. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 Honda Legend has manual transmission. 1988 Honda Legend will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Honda Legend | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Legend | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
