2003 Honda Civic vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Civic would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 408 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 984 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 659 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Honda Civic | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Civic | SL |
Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5513 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 85 HP | 493 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 800 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 87 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 2040 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |