1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 100 kg more than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. 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 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL. (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1965 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1965 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2305 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 | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
