2009 Honda Accord vs. 1996 Acura RL
To start off, 2009 Honda Accord is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Honda Accord. (177 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Acura RL weights approximately 219 kg more than 2009 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Accord. (218 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1996 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Accord | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Honda | Acura |
| Model | Accord | RL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1456 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
