1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 24 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (355 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 248 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK (510 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. (448 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| 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 | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2440 mm |
