2001 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 2003 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2003 Toyota Solara is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz A would be higher. At 2,437 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Solara (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (88 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Solara weights approximately 280 kg more than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2003 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | 2003 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | A | Solara |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2680 mm |
