1989 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. (108 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 380 kg more than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina. (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Chevrolet Lumina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Lumina | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Lumina | SL |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 80 L |
