2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (405 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (311 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (542 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. (360 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 405 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
