1978 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Suburban would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 418 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 261 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban. (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Suburban.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Suburban | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Suburban | SL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2560 mm |
