1959 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1987 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 1987 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 28 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) has 157 more horse power than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (70 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 360 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 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 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Volkswagen Passat. (118 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Volkswagen Passat.

Compare all specifications:

1959 Chevrolet Corvette 1987 Volkswagen Passat
Make Chevrolet Volkswagen
Model Corvette Passat
Year Released 1959 1987
Body Type Convertible Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4636 cc 1594 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 227 HP 70 HP
Torque 407 Nm 118 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 2700 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 1400 kg 1040 kg
Vehicle Length 4280 mm 4540 mm
Vehicle Width 1760 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1250 mm 1390 mm
Wheelbase Size 2470 mm 2560 mm