1956 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 Chevrolet Corvette (245 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (190 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 98 kg more than 1956 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, 1956 Chevrolet Corvette (393 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
