1973 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 24 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 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 175 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Impala. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Impala | 1997 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Impala | S |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2410 mm |
