1979 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Chevrolet El Camino
To start off, 1980 Chevrolet El Camino is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,765 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine.
Because 1979 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 1979 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Chevrolet El Camino, 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, 1979 Chevrolet Corvette (366 Nm) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chevrolet El Camino. (271 Nm). This means 1979 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chevrolet El Camino. 1980 Chevrolet El Camino has automatic transmission and 1979 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1979 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet El Camino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Chevrolet El Camino | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette | El Camino |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5765 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 135 HP |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2980 mm |
