1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 420 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1255 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 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 697 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1748 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 90 L |
