2009 Chevrolet Traverse vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,599 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Traverse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (221 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 545 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Traverse.
Because 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Chevrolet Traverse (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Traverse | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Traverse | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3599 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 88 L |
