1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica (335 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 190 kg more than 1961 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ferrari |
| Model | Corvette | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 119 L |
