1997 Honda NSX vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda NSX weights approximately 37 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda NSX | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Honda | Chevrolet |
| Model | NSX | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1498 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
