1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1978 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,898 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Corolla 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 1978 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 1978 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | A | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1898 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
