Corvette vs SL
Cross-brand comparisons are where priorities show. Chevrolet’s Corvette and Mercedes-Benz’s SL target the same sports car space in different ways. The SL has the edge in 2 of the 4 areas we looked at, most visibly in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corvette wins
- Fuel Economy & Range SL wins
- Space & Practicality SL wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Engine & Performance4.7
- Fuel Economy & Range2.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The SL has room for 4 seats
Put simply, the SL is far ahead here: 4 seats compared with 2 seats. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
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The Corvette has 74 hp more power
The Corvette’s 490 hp leaves the SL’s 416 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The Corvette’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The SL has better fuel economy
Not a close call. The SL lists 22 mpg and the Corvette lists 19 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Corvette has 96 lb-ft more torque
Among all the differences on this page, 465 lb-ft against 369 lb-ft is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the Corvette. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The SL has better city fuel economy
The Corvette gives up a lot on fuel economy (city): 16 mpg, compared with 19 mpg on the SL. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 48.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Corvette leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the Corvette. On its side, the Corvette has 74 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. In short, the Corvette is the better-equipped car for engine & performance.
Total system output
Corvette: 490 hp SL: 416 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Corvette: 465 lb-ft SL: 369 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
SL leads
The SL clearly takes the fuel economy & range round. Here the SL offers better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. If fuel economy & range is your priority, the SL is the car to pick.
Fuel economy (combined)
Corvette: 19 mpg SL: 22 mpg The SL uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Corvette: 16 mpg SL: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the SL starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
SL leads
In this area the SL has a lead the Corvette can’t close. Choose the SL and you get room for 4 seats. The SL has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. For space & practicality, the SL is the one to beat.
Seats
Corvette: 2 seats SL: 4 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Side by side, the off-road & towing figures for the Corvette and the SL barely differ. Don’t let off-road & towing decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 490 hp (winner) | 416 hp |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft (winner) | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 9-speed automatic (AMG MCT) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD (4MATIC+ AWD on V8 models) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 22 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg | 19 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 25 mpg | 27 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 12.6 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 48.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Corvette | SL |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $68,300 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Corvette if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (490 hp vs 416 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (465 lb-ft vs 369 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Chevrolet and happy with it
Choose the SL if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (22 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you mostly drive in town (19 mpg vs 16 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (27 mpg vs 25 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Corvette or the SL?
We’d point most buyers to the SL. The main exception is if you care more about 74 hp more power than anything else.
Executive Summary
Here’s the short version of how I’d choose between the Corvette and the SL. My main argument for the SL? It comes with room for 4 seats. I’d also count better fuel economy in the SL’s favor. The Corvette does have a strong card to play: 74 hp more power.
For engine & performance, the Corvette fits better. For fuel economy & range, the SL is the better match.
My pick: the SL. I’d only go for the Corvette if you value 74 hp more power above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.