1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 205 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1538 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
