1988 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (311 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice. (347 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Caprice | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
