2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1989 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 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 387 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1000 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 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 651 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Corolla. (149 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1989 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 800 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 50 L |
