1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 33 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1996 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 | 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Nova | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2660 mm |
