1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 550 is newer by 35 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 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 258 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 290 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ferrari |
| Model | Corvette | 550 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 114 L |
