2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 349 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | BMW | Chevrolet |
| Model | M3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 68 L |
