1990 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 BMW M1
To start off, 1990 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW M1 would be higher. At 5,727 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Chevrolet Corvette (641 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1981 BMW M1. (273 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW M1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 BMW M1. 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, 1990 Chevrolet Corvette (906 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 576 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW M1. (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW M1. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 1981 BMW M1 has manual transmission. 1981 BMW M1 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 BMW M1 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | M1 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5727 cc | 3453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 641 HP | 273 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 906 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1140 mm |
