2008 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 750 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz C | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
