1971 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 40 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 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (505 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 325 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 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, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (637 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 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 | 2011 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 505 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2685 mm |
