1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1959 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1959 Toyota Corona. (29 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1959 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1959 Toyota Corona. 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Toyota Corona. (64 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Toyota Corona. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1959 Toyota Corona has manual transmission. 1959 Toyota Corona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1959 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Corona |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2410 mm |
