1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 434 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 298 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 548 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2011 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2011 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
