2009 Acura RL vs. 1989 Honda Accord
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Honda Accord would be higher. At 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RL (296 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1989 Honda Accord. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1989 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RL weights approximately 736 kg more than 1989 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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 Acura RL (271 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Honda Accord. (166 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Honda Accord. 2009 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1989 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1989 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 1989 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | RL | Accord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 1955 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1852 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 68 L |
