1990 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 295 kg more than 2002 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Solara, 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Solara |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 267 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
