1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 55 kg more than 2002 BMW Z3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 51 L |
