1997 Toyota Carina vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (454 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 650 kg more than 1997 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Carina, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Carina | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 454 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
