2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1996 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (175 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 530 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (111 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 1996 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1331 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2470 mm |
