1971 BMW 3 vs. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 30 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 144 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, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3. 2001 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. 2001 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2001 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| 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 | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2950 mm |
