1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2008 BMW 318
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 12 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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2008 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 318 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 261 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
