1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz S.
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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 90 L |
