1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Toyota Corona
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 Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corona. (86 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 903 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corona. 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 (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corona. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Corona |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 61 L |
