1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 7 kg more than 1997 BMW Z3.
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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 4637 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 61 L |
