2003 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,198 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 181 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 6198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 103.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
