1988 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 BMW 530 is newer by 24 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, 2012 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1988 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 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (373 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. 2012 BMW 530 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. 2012 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 530 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
