1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2011 Honda Accord
To start off, 2011 Honda Accord is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Honda Accord (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 346 kg more than 2011 Honda Accord.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Honda Accord (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2011 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 2011 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | S | Accord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4935 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1476 mm |
