1974 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 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, 1974 Chevrolet Corvette (373 Nm) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm). This means 1974 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1974 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1974 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2431 mm |
