2003 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,204 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2003 Honda Accord. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 327 kg more than 2003 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Accord. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Accord. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2003 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2003 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Honda Accord | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Accord | CLS |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2204 cc | 2143 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 201 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 340 Nm | 500 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 16.2:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1800 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1882 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1417 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2875 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |