1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (115 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 144 kg more than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 1959 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 220 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 100 L |
