1999 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 744 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 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 1999 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette (486 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 409 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Golf. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Golf |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 486 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 756 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
