1966 Riley Kestrel vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 377 more horse power than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1966 Riley Kestrel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 607 kg more than 1966 Riley Kestrel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Riley Kestrel, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 491 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Riley Kestrel. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Riley Kestrel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Riley Kestrel | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Riley | Chevrolet |
| Model | Kestrel | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 885 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 68 L |
