2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 7,011 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (505 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 431 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 540 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic, 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (635 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Honda |
| Model | Corvette | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7011 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 505 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 635 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
