2006 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (255 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 336 kg more than 1972 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, 1972 Chevrolet Corvette (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1972 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 | 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | M3 | Corvette |
Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 5733 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 255 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 101.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1499 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1220 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2500 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |