2009 BMW 550 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 21 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (295 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (515 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 550. (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 550. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 550 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5733 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1472 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2500 mm |
