1987 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (245 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (157 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 92 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 245 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 467 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2870 mm |
