1992 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Toyota Century
To start off, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Century would be higher. At 3,376 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL (231 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Century. (168 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Century weights approximately 115 kg more than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1981 Toyota Century (270 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. (268 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1981 Toyota Century has automatic transmission and 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Century will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Toyota Century | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Century |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 3376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 231 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 268 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
