1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Porsche 996
To start off, 2003 Porsche 996 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,344 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche 996 weights approximately 178 kg more than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. (353 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Porsche |
| Model | Corvette | 996 |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 4344 cc | 3594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2360 mm |
