1996 Mercedes-Benz V vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Soarer (157 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. (139 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 695 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V, 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, 1981 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. (211 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz V.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz V | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | V | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2295 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2000 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2670 mm |
