BMW M3 vs Chevrolet Corvette Z06

[Ultima]

The Corvette Z06 has an outstanding combination of performance and handling (13hp for every hundred pounds), while the BMW has a more balanced combination of performance and luxury (10hp for every hundred pounds). I can't say which would be in the shop more often though
Anyways, which would you prefer, and why? Please don't bring M5 or Porsche or other cars into this argument, as they cost a hell of a lot more than the Corvette. M3 and Corvette are almost equal in pricing (You could say the Corvette is cheaper actually because with options the M3 could be a few thousand more expensive).

Edit: Some technical specs on the two cars

Engine
Chevrolet Corvette
5.7L V8
405hp@6000rpm
400pt@4800rpm
19/28mpg

BMW M3
3.2L inline 6
333hp@7900rpm
262pt@4900RPM
16/24mpg

Dimensions
Chevrolet Corvette
Length: 179.7in
Width: 73.6in
Height:47.7in
Weight: 3116lbs
Wheelbase: 104.5in

BMW M3
Length: 176.8in
Width: 70.1in
Height: 54.0in
Weight: 3415lbs
Wheelbase: 107.5in

Interior room
Chevrolet Corvette
Front head room: 37.8in
Front leg room: 42.7in
Rear leg room: N/A

BMW M3
Front head room: 36.5in
Front leg room: 41.7in
Rear leg room: 33.2in
Luggage Capacity: 9.5 cu. ft.

Est. Performance
Chevrolet Corvette
0 - 60mph: 4.5
0 - 100mph: 10.8
Quarter mile:13.0@111mph
Top Speed: 169mph

BMW M3
0 - 60mph: 5.3
0 - 100mph: 12.6
Quarter mile:13.8@105mph
Top Speed: 176mph*


* If it were not limited to 155mph
Strange how the Corvette engine actually gets better fuel economy... at this price point that doesn't matter too much though
Seriously how can that be? The Corvette engine is 2 cylinders and several liters larger, and produces significantly more power. How can it at the same time sip less fuel?

 

[CrazyDe1]

BMW...it doens't have a black box recording you

 

[PlatinumGold]

A friend of mine drives a Corvette. It just doesn't fit me. GDI, is it built only for the small boned?

 

[StageLeft]

m3 for two reasons:

1) FAR fewer people have them. Everyone and their dog has a vette. BORING.
2) If you need to you can throw somebody in the back.

 

[Ultima]

Originally posted by: CrazyDe1
BMW...it doens't have a black box recording you

No but they do limit you to 250km/h (dunno if the Corvette has a governer as well)

 

[iamwiz82]

i believe the M3 will out perform a stock Corvette. It won't touch a Z06, though.

 

[GTaudiophile]

The Z06 would nail the M3 in a straight line, but something tells me that it would have its lunch handed to it by the M3 through the twists and turns.

The M3 is one of the few cars in the world that is great for getting groceries and great on the track. It also seats four.

 

[SuperTool]

Corvette. Why? Because it will never be confused with a 323 i

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: SuperTool
Corvette. Why? Because it will never be confused with a 323 i

Neither will an m3 to a person who isn't legally blind!

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: SuperTool
Corvette. Why? Because it will never be confused with a 323 i

What! I can the tell the difference between an M3 and a stock 3-series from a mile away: the wider track, front spoiler, side mirrors, four-point exhaust., side-gills. No confusion here!

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: SuperTool
Corvette. Why? Because it will never be confused with a 323 i

What! I can the tell the difference between an M3 and a stock 3-series from a mile away: the wider track, front spoiler, side mirrors, four-point exhaust., side-gills. No confusion here!

Hehe I didn't notice the i - I thought he was being overly sarcastic talking about a mazda 323

 

[SuperTool]

yeah, but just wait till rice boys get to their 323i's and put M3 kits and what not on them.
Noone will ever confuse a Vette with anything.

 

[Ultima]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
The Z06 would nail the M3 in a straight line, but something tells me that it would have its lunch handed to it by the M3 through the twists and turns.

The M3 is one of the few cars in the world that is great for getting groceries and great on the track. It also seats four.

I don't know about that. The Z06 is lighter, wider wheelbase and a sport suspension. I think the Z06 wins in both straight-line and handling. That's not the point though, it's the whole package that matters. "When it comes to the entire car which would you pick?", is what I'm asking. Seeing as how they both cost nearly the same anyways

 

[Ultima]

^

 

[vi edit]

I'd take an M3 simply because I'm more luxury and functionality oriented than performance oriented.

I feel like I'd be sacraficing more luxury with the vette, than I would performance with the M3. A backseat and a trunk are invaluable. With the vette I think you just get a tight fitting space in a hatchback if I remember correctly.

 

[Ultima]

The way I see it is if I was to have only one car, I'd take the M3. If I already had a nice daily driver though (say a Passat or something like that) then I would go with the Corvette.

 

[Vette73]

The new C5 rides a lot better than ones of past years. i would go Corvette, bang for your buck and will turn heads, even cops :Q