2008 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 115 kg more than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2008 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 800 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1910 kg | 2025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
