1983 BMW 316 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 548 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 316 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
