1956 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 52 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 163 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 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1956 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1956 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Chevrolet Corvette | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.5 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
