1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (295 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle weights approximately 11 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (515 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Chevelle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4097 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 1483 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2850 mm |
