2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1979 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (350 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (50 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 750 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (486 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Golf. (79 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1979 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 486 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 69.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |
