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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (493 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 515 kg more than 1996 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (801 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 801 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 2135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 88 L |
