2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (612 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 430 more horse power than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 22 kg more than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (596 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2009 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 612 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 596 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 321 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.4 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1582 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
