2004 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Honda Civic
To start off, 2010 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 2010 Honda Civic. (197 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 797 kg more than 2010 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 810 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Honda Civic. (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Honda Civic. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2010 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2010 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | SL | Civic |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 998 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2110 kg | 1313 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4458 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1397 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 23.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
