1982 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP) has 310 more horse power than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. (200 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 229 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. (385 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1982 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1982 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 510 HP |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1454 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 80 L |
