1972 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2002 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2002 Ferrari 550 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 191 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ferrari 550, 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, 2002 Ferrari 550 (570 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (380 Nm). This means 2002 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. 2002 Ferrari 550 has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ferrari 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | 2002 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ferrari |
| Model | Corvette | 550 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5473 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7250 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 110 L |
