1989 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,955 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 549 kg more than 1989 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 CLK 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 CLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Honda Accord | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | CLK |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1955 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1116 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
