1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 45 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 425 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
