2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 2 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 82 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 552 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 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK has manual transmission. 2005 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:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SLK | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.9 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2052 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 53 L |
