1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 600 kg more than 1997 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | CL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 88 L |
