2006 BMW M3 vs. 1956 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,638 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1956 Chevrolet Corvette. (245 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1956 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, 1956 Chevrolet Corvette (393 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1956 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1956 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4638 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 98.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1227 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
