1974 BMW 3 vs. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette (400 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 144 kg more than 1974 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 (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1974 BMW 3 has manual transmission. 1974 BMW 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2004 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 5970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 543 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2830 mm |
