Query about Google Maps functionality

Is there a way to use Google Maps to compare specific areas as to physical size. For example, I was wondering whether Seattle was anywhere near the same size as Manhattan. (I think they are vaguely comparable but I'd like to see them superimposed, maybe even with their freeway grid or with any other "layers" shown.) And then I wondered how Capitol Hill (Seattle) related in size to the East Village (Calgary, Alberta). (Don't ask why I wonder -- these are just the sort of things I think about.) So it would be useful to be able to superimpose outlines of specific neighborhoods, towns etc etc in order to get a sense of their physical attributes. Maybe it's already there and I just missed it. As it is Google maps even offer a scale so you can do a simple visual comparison. You can count the bars on the map to tell which scale you are seeing but that's pretty crude; the geniuses at Google can no doubt do better.