1998 Honda Civic vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Civic would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 413 more horse power than 1998 Honda Civic. (105 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 839 kg more than 1998 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Civic. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Civic. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Honda Civic | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | SL |
Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1590 cc | 6200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 518 HP |
Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 630 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 1939 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4592 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1298 mm |