1958 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL

To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (376 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 396 kg more than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette.

Compare all specifications:

1958 Chevrolet Corvette 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
Make Chevrolet Mercedes-Benz
Model Corvette SL
Year Released 1958 1996
Body Type Convertible Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4637 cc 5987 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 12 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 227 HP 376 HP
Engine RPM 4800 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 407 Nm 580 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3750 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Number of Seats 2 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1404 kg 1800 kg
Vehicle Length 4280 mm 4470 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1250 mm 1300 mm
Wheelbase Size 2470 mm 2520 mm


 

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