1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 128 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1962 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 2391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
