2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,985 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 26 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet SSR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SSR | S |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 5985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
