1972 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 218 kg more than 1972 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (448 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 448 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
