1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 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 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 261 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. (413 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Silverado.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Silverado |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5956 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 580 Nm | 413 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 2311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5847 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1875 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3645 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 98 L |
