2003 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (330 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 269 kg more than 2003 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1971 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1971 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1971 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
