1996 Honda Ballade vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 572 more horse power than 1996 Honda Ballade. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 275 kg more than 1996 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda Ballade, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 869 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Ballade. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Ballade. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Ballade | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ballade | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1491 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
