1999 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1978 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette (340 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 293 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 605 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. 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 Passat, 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 (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Passat. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Corvette | 1978 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 483 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 45 L |
