1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 73 kg more than 2012 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 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 437 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | 240 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2398 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5360 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3430 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
