2002 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1997 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Avensis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Avensis 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 368 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 625 kg more than 1997 Toyota Avensis. 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, 1997 Toyota Avensis, 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 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Avensis. (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Avensis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1997 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Avensis |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2650 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1875 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
