1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2012 Toyota Avalon is newer by 16 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Avalon. (268 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Avalon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 200 kg more than 2012 Toyota Avalon. 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, 2012 Toyota Avalon, 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 (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Avalon. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Avalon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Avalon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 70 L |
