1988 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 645 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 2008 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2008 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 6162 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
