1996 Honda Accord vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 15 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 140 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SLK |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1298 mm |
