2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 436 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (57 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1149 kg more than 1979 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 705 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (95 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2380 mm |
