1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (134 HP) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 400 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 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 (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (116 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 1979 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 77.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
