1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 7 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 227 kg more than 1996 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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (544 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 5970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 544 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 68 L |
