2009 Honda Accord vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Honda Accord is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Accord (177 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 167 kg more than 2009 Honda Accord.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Accord. (218 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Accord | 1971 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2410 mm |
