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 57 more horse power than 2009 Honda Accord. (148 HP @ 4000 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. 2009 Honda Accord weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Acura RL.
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, 2009 Honda Accord (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura RL. 1996 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2009 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 2009 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Accord | 1996 Acura RL | |
| Make | Honda | Acura |
| Model | Accord | RL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2199 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96.9 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
