2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (405 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 664 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (542 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 463 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 405 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1414 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
