1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 125 kg more than 1973 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1973 Chevrolet Impala has manual transmission. 1973 Chevrolet Impala will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Chevrolet Impala | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Impala | SL |
Year Released | 1973 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4097 cc | 4973 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 110 HP | 317 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 251 Nm | 471 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 85 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1840 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2520 mm |