2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (231 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 260 kg more than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (544 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 544 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2810 mm |
