Mercedes-Benz CLK320 meets Honda Accord V-6 coupe
The Accord is nearly half a foot longer, at 187.6 in., but the CLK's wheelbase, at 106.9 in., is 1.8 in. longer than the Honda's. And while the Mercedes is 0.3 in. lower, its big greenhouse, atop a low shoulder line, along with the shorter overall length, makes it look much less rakish.
Subtly applied chrome gives the Mercedes a stately look next to the sleek, minimalist Accord. The CLK has bright accents in the bumper guards, the body side molding, and in the horizontal grille slats and outlining the side glass, where the Accord has no bumper guards, no body side protection, and only a black outline around its side glass.
Inside, the Mercedes' elegantly thin chrome extends to trimming the round, organic vents in the center and sides of the dash (its take on the Audi TT look). The Honda has thin chrome accents on the center vents and ersatz carbon-fiber trim on the doors and the handy storage compartment door on the center stack, but otherwise, like Johnny Cash's wardrobe closet, it's dark in there. Outside, the new Accord coupe is a good-looking car, but austere. The CLK has more timeless styling, and it'll appeal to the rare coupe buyer who intends to keep it for a long, long time.
Artfully curved with excellent ergonomics, the Accord (top) and CLK instrument panels reflect different versions of sporty luxury.
The Accord makes up for its austere appearance with more immediate dynamics. The combo of lower weight and more horsepower adds up to brisk performance and a 1.24-sec advantage in 0-60-mph acceleration over the Mercedes. But by the end of the quarter, the CLK is starting to catch up, with a 0.76-sec deficit and running 6.22 mph slower. The Accord, bobbing and weaving through the cones in the 600-ft slalom, trumps the CLK by 0.8 mph, but the Mercedes feels better.
"Lots of body roll and not as much grip as expected," our tester writes about the Accord. "A vehemently edgy car." Of the Mercedes, he notes, "Not a lot of grip. Rear-drive feels good, but not ultimately a handler."
The Honda's edgier feel certainly translates to the road, where some initial compliance at turn-in subsides as the car takes a set. The Mercedes is more deliberate and balanced in taking fast on-ramps or quick turns. You can steer it with the throttle and rear wheels if the overly intrusive traction control is switched off, but those electronic nannies are there for a reason. The Mercedes feels more predictable when pushed hard.
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