1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 467 kg more than 1985 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. (448 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
