2005 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1988 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 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 3,723 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1988 Toyota Carina. (158 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 883 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz S (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Toyota Carina. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Toyota Carina. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S | 1988 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | S | Carina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3723 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1915 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
