1996 Honda CRX vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda CRX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda CRX would be higher. At 2,798 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 Honda CRX. (158 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda CRX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 760 kg more than 1996 Honda CRX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Honda CRX, 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 SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda CRX. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda CRX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda CRX | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CRX | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2520 mm |
