1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 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 163 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320.
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 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 320 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 57 L |
