1987 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 571 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. (454 Nm). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 2009 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 80 L |
