1978 Toyota Celica vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (613 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 527 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1280 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz S (1,001 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 883 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Celica | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Celica | S |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 613 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 2275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 2120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 3165 mm |
