2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 405 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona. 1981 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Corona |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
