2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 710 kg more than 1989 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (149 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 50 L |
