1996 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Honda Civic. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Civic. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1280 mm |
