1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (203 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 365 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Toyota | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corolla | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 203 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2760 mm |
