A new parametrization of the classical shell model for the cubic phase of the perovskite KNbO₃ has been derived and used to calculate the structural, elastic and dielectric properties of this material. Using this parametrization, the defect formation and migration energies, as well as atomic displacements, have been calculated. In parallel, the quantum mechanical method of the intermediate neglect of the differential overlap (INDO) has been applied to the same problem. The migration energies for the O vacancy obtained by these quite different methods are reasonably close (0.68 eV and 0.79 eV, respectively) and also agree with the only experimental estimate available of approximately 1 eV. Atomic relaxations calculated by these two methods agree quite well.