1958 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,361 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 66 kg more than 1958 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette. (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Chevrolet Corvette | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 5361 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2470 mm |
