2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 540 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | C | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2148 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2470 mm |
