Mercedes-Benz 190E

vs

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Germany vs USA — 1990 vs 2015

Mercedes-Benz 190E (1990)
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (2015)
Specifications
190E 2.5-16 Evolution IICorvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged
Horsepower235 hp650 hp
Torque181 lb-ft650 lb-ft
Engine Size2,463 cc6,162 cc
0-60 mph7.1 sec3.0 sec
Top Speed155 mph194 mph
¼ Mile15.2 sec11.0 sec
Weight3,524 lbs
Wheelbase2,665 mm2,710 mm
Length4,487 mm4,514 mm
Units Produced50236,667
Original MSRP$79,995
Value (Excellent)$500,000$110,000
Collectibility5/106/10
Rarity9/104/10
The Verdict

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II counters with greater rarity, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

Putting the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II against the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — Germany versus USA. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 650 hp compared to 235 hp, a 415-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Mercedes-Benz 190E uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V displacing 2,463 cc, while the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 relies on a V8 OHV 16V Supercharged with 6,162 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged edges ahead at 3.0 seconds versus 7.1 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 502 units built, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is considerably scarcer than the Chevrolet Corvette Z06's 36,667 examples. On the collector market, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II commands a significant premium over the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C7 LT4 Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.