2005 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (544 Nm) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 544 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
