1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (295 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 773 kg more than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (515 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3165 mm |
