2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 435 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1875 kg more than 1981 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 (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 507 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Toyota |
| Model | SL | Carina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 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 |
