1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1978 Toyota Celica is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 681 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 (287 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 350 | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 350 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3499 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65.8 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1676 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
