1959 Berkeley B vs. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 5,968 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP) has 351 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 1114 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Berkeley | Chevrolet |
| Model | B | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 5968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 400 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 68 L |
