1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 558 kg more than 2012 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
Model | SL | Corvette |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5956 cc | 6200 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 375 HP | 430 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 580 Nm | 574 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.8 seconds | 4 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 1492 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1928 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1237 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2685 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 16.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |