2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. (430 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 458 kg more than 2012 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | SL | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5513 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 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 | 1950 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 68 L |
