2005 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1974 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Toyota Carina (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 70 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Because 1974 Toyota Carina 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 1974 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1974 Toyota Carina (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | 1974 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | A | Carina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2430 mm |
