2009 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. (325 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 287 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | |
Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
Model | M3 | Corvette |
Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5733 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 325 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 461 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1523 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 117 L |