1999 Honda Odyssey vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Honda Odyssey is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,971 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1999 Honda Odyssey. (238 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Odyssey. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 187 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1999 Honda Odyssey is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Odyssey will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Odyssey. (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Odyssey. 1999 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Odyssey | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Odyssey | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1956 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2520 mm |
