1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 316 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
