1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 322 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2570 mm |
