1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 13 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 177 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 2010 BMW 120 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. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 53 L |
