2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette

To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 38 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1986 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 1986 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1986 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2012 Volkswagen Jetta 1986 Chevrolet Corvette
Make Volkswagen Chevrolet
Model Jetta Corvette
Year Released 2012 1986
Body Type Sedan Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2500 cc 5733 cc
Engine Cylinders 5 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 170 HP 230 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 240 Nm 447 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 3200 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type 5-speed manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1400 kg 1438 kg
Vehicle Length 4644 mm 4490 mm
Vehicle Width 1778 mm 1810 mm
Vehicle Height 1482 mm 1190 mm
Wheelbase Size 2651 mm 2450 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 L 68 L