1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Corona (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Corona should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Because 1981 Toyota Corona 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 Corona. 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 (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Corona has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Corona 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 | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | A | Corona |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 75 L |
