2002 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 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 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 970 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 629 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Celica |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 801 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2135 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2620 mm |
