1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 173 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A. (300 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | A |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1538 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 54 L |
