2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1996 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat 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 331 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 204 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 1996 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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (542 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 402 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 1996 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5664 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 405 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1414 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
