1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Lexus IS
To start off, 2009 Lexus IS is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lexus IS weights approximately 252 kg more than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (448 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lexus IS. (376 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Corvette | IS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3454 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2740 mm |
