2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (340 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (245 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 146 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 2003 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 500 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 483 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 90 L |
