1996 Honda Accord vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Honda Accord is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 320 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (200 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord. 1996 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Accord | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Accord | SL |
Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2156 cc | 2962 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 228 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 267 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2520 mm |