2008 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 318 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 5666 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
