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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Accord (198 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Accord weights approximately 283 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Accord. (234 Nm @ 4500 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 | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 234 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2043 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
