1998 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 379 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (131 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 640 kg more than 1998 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1998 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
