1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 2002 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2002 Toyota Solara is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 150 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 2002 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | 280 | Solara |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2797 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
