1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Nissan Maxima

To start off, 1997 Nissan Maxima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette 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 187 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 178 kg more than 1997 Nissan Maxima. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1996 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 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Maxima, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Nissan Maxima. (177 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Nissan Maxima. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1997 Nissan Maxima has manual transmission. 1997 Nissan Maxima will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1996 Chevrolet Corvette 1997 Nissan Maxima
Make Chevrolet Nissan
Model Corvette Maxima
Year Released 1996 1997
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 5733 cc 1995 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 325 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 5800 RPM 6400 RPM
Torque 461 Nm 177 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 4400 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1523 kg 1345 kg
Vehicle Length 4540 mm 4780 mm
Vehicle Width 1840 mm 1780 mm
Vehicle Height 1210 mm 1420 mm
Wheelbase Size 2660 mm 2710 mm