1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 50 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 weights approximately 173 kg more than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3. (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5354 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2639 mm |
