1972 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 379 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | A |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
