1973 Toyota Corona vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Toyota Corona (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (5 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 431 kg more than 1973 Toyota Corona.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Corona. (144 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Corona. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1973 Toyota Corona has manual transmission. 1973 Toyota Corona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Toyota Corona | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corona | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 5 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2431 mm |
