2009 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. (281 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 905 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will offer significantly more control. 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 SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse. (361 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Traverse | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Traverse | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 281 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 361 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 16.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 80 L |
