1996 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Toyota Carina (126 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 225 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz C 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 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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 Toyota Carina (183 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz C.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz C | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Carina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2540 mm |
