1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,344 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 63 kg more than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (353 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4344 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
