1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2013 Honda Civic
To start off, 2013 Honda Civic is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2013 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2013 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 11 kg more than 2013 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2013 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | SLK | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1752 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
