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 275 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 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. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 127 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 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 345 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 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 | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| 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 | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
