2022 Chevrolet Corvette vs 2021 BMW 4 Series

The 2021 BMW 4 Series coupe was notable for its bold styling, particularly the large twin-kidney grille, which BMW claimed improved engine cooling. While the grille was a point of contention, the rest of the car maintained the classic BMW aesthetic with standard LED headlights and taillights. The aerodynamic design, featuring a drag coefficient of 0.25, was achieved through features like Air Curtain intakes. The 4 Series shared its platform with the 3 Series sedan, offering a slightly larger and more aggressive stance. Inside, the 4 Series followed BMW's clean design language, with standard sport seats and optional leather upholstery. However, the interior materials did not quite meet luxury standards, and the steering wheel's size was criticized for being too large for a sporty coupe.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, meanwhile, drew inspiration from Ferrari with its mid-engine layout, side air intakes, and sleek, tapered body. The Corvette offered a targa-style removable roof panel for the coupe and a retractable hardtop for the convertible. The interior was distinct, featuring a square steering wheel and a dual-cockpit design with a spine-like structure separating the driver and passenger. The Corvette's design choices emphasized driving excitement, with a focus on performance and a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other sports cars.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series offered two powertrains: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 430i model, producing 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six in the M440i, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M440i also featured a 48-volt mild hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency. The 4 Series was equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the 430i accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and the M440i xDrive in 4.5 seconds. Despite its quick acceleration, the driving experience was hampered by a hesitant transmission and vague steering feedback, leaving the 4 Series feeling less engaging than expected.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette boasted a 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, or 495 hp and 470 lb-ft with the performance exhaust. The Corvette's mid-engine layout improved weight distribution and traction, with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The Corvette achieved a zero-to-96 km/h time of 2.9 seconds with the Z51 performance package, rivaling much more expensive sports cars. The Corvette's steering was precise, and the chassis was responsive, offering a playful yet approachable driving experience. The optional Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension provided comfort on rough roads, making the Corvette a versatile performer.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series, while not the most practical, offered more front headroom and trunk space than some competitors. The interior was spacious for a coupe, with a well-organized cockpit and excellent outward visibility. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a touchscreen integrated into the dashboard and convenient storage solutions.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, as a two-seater, prioritized driving over practicality. It featured two trunks, providing a total of 357 litres of cargo space, though the rear trunk's capacity was reduced when the roof was stored. The Corvette's interior was driver-focused, with a square steering wheel and easy-to-reach controls. Visibility was limited due to the mid-engine layout, but large mirrors and optional camera systems helped mitigate this. The optional GT2 bucket seats offered comfort and support, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series came with the iDrive 7 infotainment system, featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen and optional Live Cockpit Professional with a 10.25-inch screen. The system was praised for its graphics and user-friendly interface, with multiple control options, including voice commands. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional options like a head-up display.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette offered an 8-inch touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a WiFi hotspot. The infotainment system was intuitive, with important functions easily accessible. The Corvette also featured a Performance Data Recorder for track enthusiasts and an optional front-end lift system for added convenience.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series included standard safety features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available as part of an optional package. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time.

The 2022 Chevrolet Corvette offered limited driver-assist features, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on higher trims. Crash-test ratings were also unavailable, as sports cars like the Corvette are not typically prioritized for testing.