1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 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 232 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (113 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 5 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2003 Volkswagen New 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (165 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
