2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (325 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 38 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2006 BMW Z4 has manual transmission. 2006 BMW Z4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | Z4 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 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 | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1523 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 117 L |
