1978 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 439 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 350 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 SL 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 SL. 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 SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 504 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1978 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1601 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 102.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
