A look back at 40 years of automotive evolution
The Montreal International Auto Show (MIAS) celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special exhibit called "Still Hot... 40 Years Later". Five classic cars from the late sixties are showcased alongside their modern-day counterparts. We thought it would be very interesting to compare them based on their looks, size, powertrain and price. Please note that our data from 1968-69 is backed by various period publications.
Chevrolet Corvette
Without a doubt, the Corvette was and is still the best known American sports car in the world. Forty years ago, the car then known as the Sting Ray was fresh from a new redesign. The 2008 model stays true to the original. Since 2004, no significant styling update has been made.
Volkswagen Beetle
Same shape, except that the rear-mounted, air-cooled, boxer engine of the rear-wheel drive Beetle was later replaced by a front-mounted, liquid-cooled engine in front-wheel drive configuration. The original ladybug was an affordable people's car (hence the name of the company). The New Beetle used the same overall shape to become a ''fashion'' car.
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Chevrolet Corvette
Without a doubt, the Corvette was and is still the best known American sports car in the world. Forty years ago, the car then known as the Sting Ray was fresh from a new redesign. The 2008 model stays true to the original. Since 2004, no significant styling update has been made.
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| 1968 | 2008 |
| $6,404 - ? | $69,500 - $96,677 |
| 5.4/7L V8 300/350/435 hp | 6.2/7L V8 436/505/620 hp |
| 3/4-speed manual 3-speed automatic | 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase : 249 cm | Wheelbase : 268.5 cm |
| L/W/H : 462.5/176/121.5 cm | L/W/H : 443.5/184.4/124.4 cm |
| Performances : 14 - 22 L/100 km 0 to 100 km/h : 7.9/6 s Top speed : 190 - 245 km/h | Performances : 8 - 16 L/100 km 0 to 100 km/h : 4.6 s Top speed : 300 km/h |
Volkswagen Beetle
Same shape, except that the rear-mounted, air-cooled, boxer engine of the rear-wheel drive Beetle was later replaced by a front-mounted, liquid-cooled engine in front-wheel drive configuration. The original ladybug was an affordable people's car (hence the name of the company). The New Beetle used the same overall shape to become a ''fashion'' car.
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| 1968 | 2008 |
| $1,850 - $2,500 | $22,775 - $29,130 |
| 1.2/1.5L 4-cyl. 41.5/54 hp | 2.5L 5-cyl. 150 hp |
| 4-speed manual 3-speed semi-automatic | 5-speed manual 4/6-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase : 240 cm | Wheelbase : 251.5 cm |
| L/W/H : 403/155/150 cm | L/W/H : 413/172/150 cm |
| Performances : 7.5 - 9.3 L/100 km 0 to 100 km/h : 37/23 s Top speed : 115/125 km/h | Performances : 6.8 - 10.4 L/100 km 0 to 100 km/h : 9.2 s Top speed : 190 km/h |