1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Nova is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,636 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 90 kg more than 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 1959 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nova | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4636 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2470 mm |
