1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1989 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Carina 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 208 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 795 kg more than 1989 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 1989 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Carina |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4965 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2970 mm | 2530 mm |
