1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 468 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | W12 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
