1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 16 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 (330 HP) has 126 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 277 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2012 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2012 Lexus IS 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 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Corvette | IS |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 204 HP |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2731 mm |
