2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina 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 400 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 795 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. 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, 1988 Toyota Carina, 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 (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 565 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2530 mm |
