1962 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1981 BMW M1 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 15 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW M1.
Compare all specifications:
1962 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 BMW M1 | |
Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
Model | Corvette | M1 |
Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5354 cc | 3453 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 251 HP | 273 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 475 Nm | 330 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1140 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2570 mm |