1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,740 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (380 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 367 kg more than 1988 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (502 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5740 cc | 5437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 380 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
