1957 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. (217 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1957 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 100 kg more than 1981 BMW M1.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1957 Chevrolet Corvette (408 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
1957 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 BMW M1 | |
Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
Model | Corvette | M1 |
Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4637 cc | 3453 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 217 HP | 273 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 408 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1140 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2570 mm |