1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette 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 177 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 442 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (515 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2270 mm |
