1974 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (143 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 645 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 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, 1974 Chevrolet Caprice (339 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Caprice | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | SE |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2020 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5670 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2760 mm |
