1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 49 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1430 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SL |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
