1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 290 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 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, 1997 Toyota Corolla, 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 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.8 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
