1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1985 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1985 Toyota Corolla is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (64 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1985 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1985 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Toyota Corolla, 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Toyota Corolla. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1985 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2440 mm |
