Jack Ascii

My sister recently got a new car and I thought it would be pretty cool to compare some of the vehicles we have owned in the past. I wanted to spark a sibling rivalry of sorts. Anyway, for this battle, we are going to compare her current car, a 2004 Mercedes SL600, to the car I used to deliver pizza’s in, a 1987 Chevy Sprint. Let the battle begin. 

Performance

• SL600: 0-60 - 4.5 seconds, Engine - 500 hp V12, Transmission as tested - Automatic

• Sprint: 0-60 - Yes, Engine - 90 hp 3 cylinder, Transmission as tested - 5 Speed Manual

Advantage: SL600

Look and Feel

• The SL600 feels kind of like a roomy version of a Corvette when you sit in it. The sound system is nice, and the wood grain interior is plush. Oh yeah, the convertible top is suede on the inside. You could actually go to sleep driving this machine.

• The Chevy Sprint had bucket seats. It floated a little. I drove into a big puddle (flood zone) delivering pizzas one night. The car floated for a good 15 to 20 seconds and then settled down slowly into the 3 feet of water. I remember sitting in the car and seeing a beef jerky wrapper float out my window.

Advantage: 87 Sprint

Resale Value

• The 2004 Mercedes SL600 is currently valued in Kelly’s Blue book at $80,165

• The 1987 Chevy Sprint is currently valued in Kelly’s Blue book at $245. This is fifty dollars more than a push lawn mower that my mom is currently trying to sell.

Advantage: 87 Sprint ($240 is only like $300 less than what it sold for new)

Winner: 1987 Chevy Sprint

Honestly, this was a classic car. It got something like 50 miles to the gallon, it made my pizza customers feel sorry for me which resulted in inflated tips, and it impressed the ladies. Okay, it didn’t get quite 50 miles to the gallon, it was more like 40. It could also out maneuver a U-Haul truck - this is a story for another day.

 

Posted by Jack Ascii / Sports