1996 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 13 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (135 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1465 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 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | CLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
