2003 Chevrolet SS vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet SS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet SS would be higher. At 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP) has 174 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SS. (430 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 450 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet SS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm) has 415 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet SS. (583 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet SS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SS | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SS | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6000 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 604 HP |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
