1971 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 39 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, 2010 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 711 kg more than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2010 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. 2010 BMW 550 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. 2010 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 550 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| 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 | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3066 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
