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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (197 HP @ 7800 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 589 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.
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, 2009 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 (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 381 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (189 Nm @ 6100 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 | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 389 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 189 Nm | 570 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 89.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.2 mm |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |