1996 Honda Legend vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Legend would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1996 Honda Legend. (202 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 210 kg more than 1996 Honda Legend. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Legend. (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Legend.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Legend | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Legend | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
