2008 Honda FR-V vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Honda FR-V 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2008 Honda FR-V. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda FR-V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 361 kg more than 2008 Honda FR-V. 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 FR-V, 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 (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda FR-V. (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 FR-V.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda FR-V | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | FR-V | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1449 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 80 L |
