1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 would be higher. At 5,740 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (380 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (108 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 238 kg more than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (502 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. (186 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 1972 Mercedes-Benz 230.4 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 230.4 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5740 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 380 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 502 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 65 L |
