2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 441 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 965 kg more than 1978 Toyota Corolla. 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 SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 615 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Toyota Corolla | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
Model | SL | Corolla |
Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1166 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 494 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 700 Nm | 85 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 66 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 910 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2380 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 75 L |