1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S
To start off, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S weights approximately 120 kg more than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S. (230 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 300S | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 300S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 85 L |
