1971 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 35 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 60 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, 2006 Chevrolet Corvette (542 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2006 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
