2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (201 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 250 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (544 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 544 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.2 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
