2003 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (505 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (276 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 515 kg more than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 2003 Mercedes-Benz S is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (637 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz S. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz S | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Chevrolet |
| Model | S | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4266 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 505 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 319 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 68 L |
