1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 52 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 666 kg more than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 592 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Corvette | SL |
Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4636 cc | 6000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 227 HP | 604 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 407 Nm | 999 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
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 | 2066 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4592 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1816 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |