1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 940 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Celica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5786 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2040 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 60 L |
