1981 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 28 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 600 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 C. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
