1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 8 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 93 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 300 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
