1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,636 cc (8 cylinders), 1959 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 440 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (145 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4636 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2560 mm |
