1971 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 58 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. 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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (454 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1971 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1971 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
