2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Toyota Tercel
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 Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Tercel would be higher. At 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (62 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 885 kg more than 1978 Toyota Tercel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Toyota Tercel, 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 SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Tercel. (102 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Toyota Tercel | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
Model | SL | Tercel |
Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3724 cc | 1452 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 242 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3970 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |