2008 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 10 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 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (141 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 696 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 592 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Civic | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
