1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 413 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 1985 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 1985 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (448 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 281 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (167 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2560 mm |
