2004 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 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 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 315 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 657 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 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, 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 417 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. (126 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Passat. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1577 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
