1980 Honda Ballade vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (505 HP) has 431 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 625 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. 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, 1980 Honda Ballade, 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 (637 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 517 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | Ballade | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 505 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2685 mm |
