1972 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 189 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
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, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
