1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 147 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | CLK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 62 L |
