2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Corolla 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) has 183 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Corolla. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 870 kg more than 1980 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 (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Corolla. (93 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3724 cc | 1288 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 46 L |
