1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 311 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
