1986 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 133 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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 SL (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Caprice | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1902 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
