1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 91 kg more than 1971 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 68 L |
