1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 691 kg more than 1971 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | CL |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 90 L |
