2009 Honda Civic vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 317 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | SLK |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2996 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
