2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet SSR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet SSR would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 215 kg more than 2012 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (630 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet SSR. (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet SSR.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SSR | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4592 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2560 mm |
