2012 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang 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 242 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mustang. (188 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 51 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mustang. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 3801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 574 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1461 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4435 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1844 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1247 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2685 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
