1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Maxima. (290 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Maxima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 211 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2012 Nissan Maxima, 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Maxima. (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Nissan |
| Model | Corvette | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 76 L |
