2001 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (385 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 112 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (522 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (166 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 522 Nm | 166 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2560 mm |
