2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. (430 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 307 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (781 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 618 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 781 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 20.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 68 L |
