1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (251 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 80 kg more than 1962 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, both vehicles can yield 475 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2600 mm |
