2009 Honda Civic vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 11 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 3,197 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 145 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
