1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 691 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 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 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Polo. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Polo |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4638 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 69.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1376 kg | 685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 35 L |
