1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 475 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (129 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 668 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Caprice | SL |
Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5002 cc | 5980 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 129 HP | 604 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 333 Nm | 1001 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1300 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |