1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 500 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 420 kg more than 1980 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 724 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | SL |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
