1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,361 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (296 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 90 kg more than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5361 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2950 mm |
