1991 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Corvette (380 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 194 kg more than 1991 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1991 Chevrolet Corvette (512 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (468 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1991 | 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 | 380 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 512 Nm | 468 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 262 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 | 1575 kg | 1769 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
