1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Lexus ES
To start off, 2012 Lexus ES is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2012 Lexus ES. (268 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus ES. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus ES weights approximately 106 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette.
Because 1971 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 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Lexus ES, 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus ES. (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus ES. 2012 Lexus ES has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Lexus ES will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Lexus ES | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Corvette | ES |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1821 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
