1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 330 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (485 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3197 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 53 L |
