1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 60 kg more than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Corvette | S |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2746 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 277 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 437 Nm | 223 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2950 mm |