1977 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 117 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette (346 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 280 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1677 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 90 L |
