1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Ford Probe
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Probe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Probe 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 227 more horse power than 1996 Ford Probe. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Ford Probe | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Probe |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 58 L |
