2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (160 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 48 kg more than 2004 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SLK | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
