2006 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,740 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (380 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 67 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (502 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 5740 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
