1999 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 429 more horse power than 1999 Honda Civic. (89 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 925 kg more than 1999 Honda Civic. 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, 1999 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 642 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Civic. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1999 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Honda Civic | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | SL |
Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1395 cc | 7291 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 518 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5550 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 766 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |