1978 Honda Accord vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 20 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 1,748 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 190 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 A (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 1998 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | A |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2430 mm |
