2009 Honda Accord vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Honda Accord is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2009 Honda Accord. (271 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Accord weights approximately 18 kg more than 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 456 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Accord. (344 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Accord | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2043 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
