1987 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL (315 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 331 kg more than 1987 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 @ 3900 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. (454 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 242 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 | 1438 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 80 L |
