1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 11 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 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 525 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Celica |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2510 mm |
