1988 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. (261 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 6 kg more than 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Because 1988 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 1988 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon, 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (405 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Avalon. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 405 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2819 mm |
