1988 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 509 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 58 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 644 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2012 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 520 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 330 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.5 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
