1981 Honda Accord vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 30 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1555 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 403 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | GL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 2515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5098 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1989 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1839 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3076 mm |
