1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 33 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 300 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
