1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (325 HP) has 272 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 545 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | 1600 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 40 L |
