1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 54 kg more than 2004 BMW 318. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 318 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1529 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 63 L |
