1978 Honda Accord vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Honda Accord, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | 230 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
