1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 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 122 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lexus |
| Model | Corvette | IS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 65 L |
