1996 BMW 545 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 545. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 545 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 BMW 545. (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 545. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2012 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 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 545. (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 545.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 545 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
