1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 93 kg more than 2001 BMW Z3.
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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1538 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 51 L |
