1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 15 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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (264 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 295 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS (620 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | CLS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 15.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 261 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2875 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 80 L |
