1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1973 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Corona. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 940 kg more than 1973 Toyota Corona. 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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Corona. (144 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1973 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Corona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2510 mm |
