1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 113 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1998 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1472 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
