2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet SSR. (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet SSR. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 877 kg more than 2006 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet SSR. (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet SSR. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet SSR has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet SSR will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SSR | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 80 L |
