1979 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 33 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 246 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1495 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL (459 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL has automatic transmission and 1979 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1979 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | GL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 2425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 3076 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 100 L |
