1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1974 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 290 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1290 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 435 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1974 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Carina |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5987 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 570 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.2 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2240 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2430 mm |
