1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1973 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Corona. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 215 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 SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Corona. (144 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1973 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Corona |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
