1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 48 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (612 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 385 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 182 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (596 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 6162 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 612 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 596 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| 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 | 1582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
