1978 Honda Accord vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 35 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (409 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 680 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK (540 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SLK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 409 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 12.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4146 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2430 mm |
