1997 BMW Z3 vs. 1968 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 1997 BMW Z3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW Z3 (333 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (165 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 167 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (388 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW Z3. (355 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW Z3 | 1968 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z3 | Nova |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 388 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
