2000 Honda Insight vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Honda Insight is newer by 3 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2000 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 920 kg more than 2000 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Honda Insight. (123 Nm). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Honda Insight | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Insight | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 994 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Type | electric | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
