2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 10 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 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (298 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 40 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 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (370 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 6 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 485 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4134 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2006 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2430 mm |
