2006 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 163 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1492 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
