1979 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 985 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | S |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 88 L |
