1972 BMW 3 vs. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 32 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 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (339 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 250 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, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 3. (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 5665 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 339 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 483 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 99.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 117 L |
