1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 vs. 2005 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2005 Toyota Solara is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Solara (161 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (104 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Solara weights approximately 55 kg more than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 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 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Solara, 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, 2005 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200. (164 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 200 | 2005 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 200 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
