2012 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 490 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 272 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 618 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. 2004 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corvette | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 638 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 818 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 330 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 3.4 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4475 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1928 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1237 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2685 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
