2003 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina 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 411 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 790 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. 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, 1996 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 626 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
Model | SL | Carina |
Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5513 cc | 1975 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 493 HP | 82 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 800 Nm | 174 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2025 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2590 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 59 L |