1996 Toyota Carina vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,762 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (107 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 180 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, both vehicles can yield 155 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Carina | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carina | A |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1762 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 107 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1600 mm |
