1996 BMW Z3 vs. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 495 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette (540 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2005 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 2005 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 5965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 395 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 300 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 68 L |
