Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vs Chevrolet Corvette

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 23 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Chevrolet Corvette, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $50 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Two Seaters · 40 configurations

23mpg combined (best)
All Mercedes-Benz SL-Class specs

2015–2027

Chevrolet Corvette

Two Seaters · 49 configurations

21mpg combined (best)
All Chevrolet Corvette specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricMercedes-Benz SL-ClassChevrolet Corvette
Best combined MPG23 mpg21 mpg
Best city MPG21 mpg17 mpg
Best highway MPG28 mpg29 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$3,300$3,250
Lowest CO2 output379 g/mi426 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 6.0SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI; Hybrid
TransmissionsAutomatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spdAutomatic (S8), Manual 7-spd
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel DriveRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Premium and ElectricityPremium, Regular
EPA classTwo SeatersTwo Seaters
Years covered2015–20272015–2027
Configurations on record4049

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

SL-Class vs Corvette: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class or the Chevrolet Corvette?

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 23 mpg combined versus 21 mpg for the Chevrolet Corvette, a 2 mpg advantage and costs about $50 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Chevrolet Corvette runs about $3,250 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,300 for the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class — a difference of roughly $50 per year.

What engines do the SL-Class and Corvette offer?

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 6.0. Chevrolet Corvette: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid, SIDI; Hybrid.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and the Chevrolet Corvette as Two Seaters, so they compete directly.

More SL-Class comparisons

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