1982 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP) has 114 more horse power than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. (201 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 312 kg more than 1982 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (468 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. (386 Nm). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 315 HP |
| Torque | 386 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
