2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota Carina 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 (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 270 kg more than 1988 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (241 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (140 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1988 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1988 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SLK | Carina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| 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 | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
