2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Honda Accord
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Accord would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 417 more horse power than 2003 Honda Accord. (187 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 494 kg more than 2003 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 783 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Accord. (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Honda |
| Model | SL | Accord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5980 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 604 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 1001 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
