1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1985 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,344 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 207 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 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 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (353 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 1985 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4344 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1227 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2560 mm |
