1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 245 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 98 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 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | 300 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 68 L |
