2008 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 239 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 280 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 2778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 82 L |
