1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 13 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 92 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (233 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 26 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Impala |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3899 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 233 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1549 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 64 L |
