1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 215 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 R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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 R (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz R 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 R | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | R |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
