1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 282 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
