2002 Honda Civic vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Honda Civic is newer by 5 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 207 more horse power than 2002 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 679 kg more than 2002 Honda Civic. 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, 2002 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Civic | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1589 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
