1972 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (255 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (90 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 314 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Golf. (145 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
1972 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Corvette | Golf |
Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 255 HP | 90 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |