1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 600 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (245 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 68.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 62 L |
