2006 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1979 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 6,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (506 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 447 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 571 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (637 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 542 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Passat. (95 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Corvette | 1979 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6998 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 506 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 637 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 104.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.6 mm | 72 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1451 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
