2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1998 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 3,722 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (247 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 610 kg more than 1998 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 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 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Carina. (136 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1998 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Carina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3722 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
