2002 Honda Insight vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Honda Insight is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2002 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 920 kg more than 2002 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Insight. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Honda Insight has manual transmission. 2002 Honda Insight will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Honda Insight | 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Insight | SL |
Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 994 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 67 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 123 Nm | 271 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 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 | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |