2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 448 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 450 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 378 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 90 L |
