2004 BMW M5 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2004 BMW M5 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (345 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW M5 weights approximately 363 kg more than 1997 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, 2004 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M5 | 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M5 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1758 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
