2003 BMW M3 vs. 1982 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP) has 142 more horse power than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 69 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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, 1982 Chevrolet Corvette (385 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1982 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1982 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 91 L |
