1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (148 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 596 kg more than 1981 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 (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1981 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 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Celica |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1806 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2620 mm |
