1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 308 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,636 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
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, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ferrari |
| Model | Corvette | 308 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4636 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2350 mm |
