2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen W12 weights approximately 13 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | W12 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 321 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
