2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 7 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (345 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 355 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 72 L |
