1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 548 kg more than 2012 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 413 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | SL | Insight |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1252 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 40 L |
