1997 BMW S3 vs. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 35 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, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. (251 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW S3 weights approximately 53 kg more than 1962 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1962 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1962 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1962 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | S3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2600 mm |
