1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 401 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 563 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. 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 SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Nova | SL |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2570 mm |
