2006 Honda Odyssey vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Honda Odyssey is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Odyssey is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Odyssey (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Odyssey should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Odyssey weights approximately 346 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Honda Odyssey is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Odyssey will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Honda Odyssey (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Odyssey will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2006 Honda Odyssey has automatic transmission and 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Odyssey will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Odyssey | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Odyssey | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2106 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 80 L |
