1981 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 520 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz E. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz E (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 1996 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | E |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2840 mm |
