1978 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 25 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 735 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | CLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 62 L |
