1958 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1958 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 586 kg more than 1958 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, 1958 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1958 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
