2009 BMW M3 vs. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (255 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 114 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette. (380 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 1972 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | M3 | Corvette |
Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5733 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 255 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 401 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 101.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 88.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1499 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4640 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1220 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |