1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK (349 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 146 kg more than 1962 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (450 Nm). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2410 mm |
