2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette redefined the American sports car with its mid-engine layout, shattering the formula Chevrolet followed since 1953. When Chevy debuted the all-new C8 in an old blimp hangar in Orange County, California, fans cheered when they heard the price: less than $60,000 for the base model. The Corvette's design was modern yet nostalgic, featuring styling elements that echoed its predecessors. Clad in Sebring Orange Tintcoat paint, the test model was eye-catching.

Entering the Corvette, one was greeted by a high-tech, fighter jet-inspired interior. The digital instrumentation, state-of-the-art infotainment technology, a squared-off steering wheel with sleek metal paddle shifters, and an array of climate controls created a cockpit-like experience. The attention to detail was remarkable, especially with the 3LT Package, which added premium leather, simulated suede, contrast stitching, and genuine metal accents. This version of the Corvette exuded a sense of quality and sophistication previously unseen in older models.

Meanwhile, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sported a sharp, coupe-like design that set it apart from the more conventional A-Class sedan. The sleek exterior hinted at its sporty nature. Inside, the CLA truly excelled. The cabin was modern, functional, and elegant, with a continuous bezel that housed the 7-inch digital instrument panel and the central touchscreen. The CLA 250 trim level came standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, and multiple USB ports. The available Premium Package upgraded the display screens to 10.25 inches and added satellite radio, making the CLA’s interior not only beautiful but also highly technological.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette featured a rear-mounted 6.2-liter V8 engine, which could be seen through the rear window and particularly shone with the optional Engine Appearance Package. This naturally aspirated V8 delivered 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque in standard tune, or 495 hp and 470 lb-ft with the Z51 Performance Package or optional performance exhaust. The Corvette, equipped with the Z51 Package, claimed a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and could reach a top speed of 194 mph.

The car's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission ensured quick gear changes and offered multiple driving modes, including Tour, Sport, Track, and Weather. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension and the front lift system allowed the Corvette to adapt to various driving conditions with ease. Despite its extraordinary performance capabilities, the Corvette was also relatively fuel-efficient, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 27 highway, and 19 combined.

Conversely, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class provided a range of performance options across its trims. The base CLA 250 featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the CLA 250 could be configured with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The AMG CLA 35 stepped up the power with 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with standard all-wheel drive. The top-tier AMG CLA 45 boasted a turbo-four producing 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, using an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard AWD.

The CLA’s handling was taut and playful, although the ride tended toward the firm side, particularly noticeable if you were accustomed to the traditionally smooth ride of other Mercedes-Benz models. Adaptive damping suspension was available, which moderated ride quality somewhat but didn't entirely eliminate the stiffness.

Form took precedence over function in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette, but it proved versatile for various activities, from daily commuting to long road trips. Despite its sporty nature, the Corvette offered creature comforts like heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel in the 2LT and 3LT trims. Entering and exiting the car, especially in tight spaces, could be a challenge if you weren’t particularly agile.

Practical storage was limited, with a small bin under the center armrest and a wireless smartphone charger awkwardly placed between the seats. However, the Corvette featured two trunks, providing a total of 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The front trunk (or “frunk”) could accommodate a carry-on suitcase, while the rear trunk held two more carry-ons or two golf bags, even when the coupe’s removable roof panel was stored back there.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, as a subcompact sedan, offered its own strengths and weaknesses. The CLA was incredibly maneuverable in tight spaces and had unexpectedly spacious front seats. However, its rear seats were cramped, and the 11.6 cubic feet trunk was relatively small, even by subcompact standards. The car's coupe-like profile compromised rear headroom and legroom, demanding the front seats be pushed forward to make the rear more usable.

Nevertheless, the CLA made efficient use of its front-seat space. The ergonomic layout of the controls meant there was plenty of usable room for items, and the cupholders were adequately sized. Large in-door cubbies provided extra storage convenience, making the front cabin both functional and enjoyable.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette was packed with advanced technology. It featured digital instrumentation and the latest Chevrolet infotainment system, which adapted its display based on driving mode. For example, in Track mode, critical data like the tachometer and current gear were prominently displayed. The HUD, present in 2LT and 3LT trims, also adjusted according to the driving mode, making it versatile and user-friendly.

The Corvette’s 8-inch touchscreen was compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, OnStar services, WiFi, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims added satellite radio, navigation, and a premium 14-speaker Bose audio system. The Performance Data Recorder was an exciting feature, recording driving sessions with performance metrics and safety measures like Valet mode to monitor the car when it's not in the owner’s possession. The front lift system was another high-tech marvel, capable of raising the car’s front by almost two inches at pre-set locations.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class came with the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, controlled via a center touchscreen, a console dial, or voice recognition. Both the touchscreen and the instrument cluster were managed through touch-sensitive toggles on the steering wheel. The system's layout was intuitive, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Optional features included wireless device charging, though, disappointingly, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. Another quirk was the exclusive use of USB-C outlets, which required adaptors for many American users still reliant on USB-A.

Safety was a mixed bag for the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. It didn't come with a plethora of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), placing the onus of safety on the driver’s skill. Basic safety measures included a high-definition reversing camera and rear parking assist sensors. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, curb-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror that significantly improved rear visibility. The Corvette also came with Teen Driver technology, which monitored and reported on young drivers’ behavior. A subscription to OnStar added features like automatic crash response and emergency services, enhancing safety to some extent. However, a professional driving course was highly recommended due to the car's powerful nature.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class boasted a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. Crosswind assist helped stabilize the car during strong gusts. Additional safety options were available in packages, such as the Driver Assistance package, which included adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. This package also featured Mercedes Pre-Safe Sound, which emitted a noise-canceling tone during a crash to protect the driver’s hearing. Adaptive headlights and a parallel park assist system were also available for an extra cost, allowing for further customization of safety features.