2006 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (506 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (317 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 389 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (637 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL. (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6998 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 506 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 637 Nm | 471 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
