1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 73 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi.
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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ferrari |
| Model | Corvette | 512 BBi |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 120 L |
