2009 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (228 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 141 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe | 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Tahoe | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 80 L |
