2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 248 kg more than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Corvette | 300 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 100 L |
