1955 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 54 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 236 kg more than 1955 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2009 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 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1955 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 1955 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4344 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 70 L |
