1996 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (175 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 655 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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 (330 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
