1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 42 kg more than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan 370Z. (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan 370Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Corvette | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 72 L |
