2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (612 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 388 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (224 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 248 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (596 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 3197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 612 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 596 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.4 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1582 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4510 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 |
