2009 Honda Accord vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Honda Accord is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2009 Honda Accord. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 691 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.
Because 1998 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 1998 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Accord. (221 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 12.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
