1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 47 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (398 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 345 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (546 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 5970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 398 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| 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 | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
