1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette 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 50 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (275 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 457 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 88 L |
