1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 15 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 175 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 110 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 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 120 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 51 L |
