2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Honda Civic
To start off, 2011 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (384 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2011 Honda Civic. (201 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2011 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 605 kg more than 2011 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Honda Civic. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Honda Civic. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2011 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | SL | Civic |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5461 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 384 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 1305 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
