1988 BMW M3 vs. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 477 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette (346 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1977 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1677 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
