2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 422 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (88 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 995 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 700 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (130 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1980 Toyota Carina has manual transmission. 1980 Toyota Carina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
