1971 Toyota Carina vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Toyota Carina (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 70 kg more than 1971 Toyota Carina.
Because 1971 Toyota Carina 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 1971 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1971 Toyota Carina (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Toyota Carina | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carina | A |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2600 mm |
