1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 410 kg more than 1957 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (393 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 283 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
