1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 148 kg more than 2004 BMW 316. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 316 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 63 L |
