1978 Honda Accord vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 27 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (303 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 955 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 88 L |
