1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (231 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 weights approximately 53 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420. (327 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 420 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 420 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3080 mm |
