2009 BMW 550 vs. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 12 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, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (345 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1997 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Corvette has manual transmission. 1997 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 | 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | 550 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 5666 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 345 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 475 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
