1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 504 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 12 kg more than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 633 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK. (185 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | CLK | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 68 L |
