1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1988 BMW Z1 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1988 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 279 kg more than 1988 BMW Z1. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW Z1. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW Z1.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z1 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2500 mm |
