1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,344 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (218 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 333 kg more than 1955 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, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (353 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 380 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4344 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 90 L |
