2008 Honda Civic vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 609 kg more than 2008 Honda Civic.
Because 2002 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 2002 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2002 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 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1493 cc | 3724 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 242 HP |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
