1971 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (415 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 105 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (539 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Impala. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Impala | SLK |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 415 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1793 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2431 mm |
