2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. (281 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Traverse weights approximately 158 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Because 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 360 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse. (360 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Chevrolet Traverse | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Traverse |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 281 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 2113 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5207 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1991 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 83 L |
