1979 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Toyota Caldina
To start off, 2003 Toyota Caldina is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Caldina. (130 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Caldina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 365 kg more than 2003 Toyota Caldina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1979 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Caldina, 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Caldina. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Caldina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Toyota Caldina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Caldina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 50 L |
