1999 BMW 540 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 540 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1999 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 540 weights approximately 279 kg more than 2012 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 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 540. (439 Nm). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 540.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 540 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 540 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1771 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2685 mm |
