1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316. 2005 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 316 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 63 L |
