1974 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP) has 207 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1974 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (600 Nm) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. (373 Nm). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Corvette. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1974 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1974 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | CLS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 402 HP |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2875 mm |
