1996 Honda Accord vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 134 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK (190 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 1997 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
