2009 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 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 M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Corvette. (295 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 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, 1988 Chevrolet Corvette (515 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1988 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1988 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| 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 | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2500 mm |
