1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 275 kg more than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 309 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1970 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1970 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Impala | S |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 3110 mm |
