2003 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. (230 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 4 kg more than 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
