2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 77 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4966 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.3 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| 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 | 1435 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
