1996 BMW M3 vs. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (251 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 1962 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
