1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Express. (260 HP @ 3100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Express. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 521 kg more than 1996 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, 2012 Chevrolet Express (711 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Express |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 6600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 711 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 2361 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 2070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 117 L |
