1986 BMW M5 vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (245 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1987 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (467 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1987 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M5 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 5735 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 467 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2450 mm |
