1996 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,199 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 214 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 6199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1266 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
