2008 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (398 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 180 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (546 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 398 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 546 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
