1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 1996 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1996 Toyota Celica is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,998 cc (5 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Celica (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. (123 HP @ 4350 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1996 Toyota Celica.
Because 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Celica, 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 (250 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Celica. (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Celica. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 1996 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 300 | Celica |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2998 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4350 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.9 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.4 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
