1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 50 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 105 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | SLK |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4102 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2431 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
