1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1974 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen K 70 would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (75 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 345 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen K 70, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 352 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen K 70. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1974 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | K 70 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 45 L |
