2003 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 130 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. 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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3. 1998 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. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | M3 | Corvette |
Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 5737 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 277 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 437 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 99.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 91.9 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 265 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 | 1572 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4570 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1220 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 117 L |