1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1982 Toyota Camry
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Camry 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 269 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Camry. (106 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Camry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 950 kg more than 1982 Toyota Camry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Camry, 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 414 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Camry. (166 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Camry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1982 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Camry |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
