1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (182 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 137 kg more than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 60 L |
