1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 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 34 more horse power than 2012 BMW 640. (311 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 640. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 540 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, 2012 BMW 640 (630 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. 2012 BMW 640 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. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | BMW |
| Model | Corvette | 640 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 311 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1365 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 70 L |
