2021 BMW 4 Series vs 2020 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette revolutionized its design by moving the engine behind the seats, a deviation from the front-engine formula Chevy had utilized since 1953. This mid-engine configuration pushed the cabin forward, creating a definite supercar aura. Despite these significant alterations, Chevrolet managed to keep the base price below $60,000, much to the delight of Corvette enthusiasts.

During its reveal in Orange County, California, the Corvette's pricing incited cheers from fans, and when production started in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Chevy promised to maintain that pricing into the next year. The base model, a stripped-down 1LT Coupe, began at $58,900, while the 2LT and 3LT packages added layers of luxury, including Cadillac-grade leather and materials on the 3LT.

Our test vehicle sported 3LT trim, an array of options including Sebring Orange Tintcoat paint, upgraded wheels, and the Z51 Package. The total price tag reached $87,210. Styled to pay homage to previous Corvettes, the C8 combined classic elements like peaked front fenders and quad taillight signatures with modern aesthetics. This blend resulted in a car radiating nostalgia and contemporary elegance simultaneously.

Inside, the futuristic, fighter jet-inspired cabin featured digital instrumentation, an advanced infotainment system, a unique squared-off steering wheel, and numerous high-tech climate controls. With the 3LT Package, the interior quality soared, featuring premium leather, suede, contrast stitching, and genuine metal accents. Overall, the Corvette's futuristic yet nostalgic design hit all the right notes.

Conversations about the 2021 BMW 4 Series inevitably centered on its controversial twin-kidney grille, designed for improved engine cooling. While opinions on its looks varied, few found the grille visually appealing. Beyond the front end, the 4 Series maintained standard BMW styling with LED headlights and taillights and a typical coupe silhouette.

BMW optimized the new front end for aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.25, improved from the previous model's 0.29. The 4 Series shared its platform with the 3 Series sedan but was longer, wider, and lower, with enlarged wheelbases and tracks.

Inside, the BMW adhered to a clean, uncluttered design philosophy. Standard front sport seats offered 10-way power adjustments and memory functions. The optional black leather upholstery provided a premium feel, albeit not entirely matching luxury car expectations. Despite some ergonomic issues, such as an overly large steering wheel, the overall interior maintained BMW's reputation for driver-centric design.

In terms of aesthetic impact, the 2020 Corvette’s design was more universally appreciated, even as the BMW 4 Series showcased quintessential BMW elements with a divisive twist.

The 2020 Corvette featured a strikingly positioned 6.2-liter V8 engine, visible beneath the rear window and optionally enhanced with carbon fiber and LED illumination for visual flair. This naturally aspirated V8 offered 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, or 495 hp and 470 lb-ft with the Z51 Performance Package or performance exhaust.

Equipped with the Z51 Package, the Corvette boasted additional cooling, an electronic limited-slip differential, performance suspension, and brakes, alongside distinct aerodynamic additions generating 400 pounds of downforce. This setup allowed the 'Vette to sprint to 60 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 194 mph.

A dual-clutch transmission came standard, providing manual shift modes and paddle shifters–though the car's software often outperformed manual attempts. The Corvette featured various drive modes and reported fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 27 highway, and 19 combined.

On the road, the Corvette excelled in both everyday scenarios and high-octane situations. Its brakes were exceptionally responsive, and advanced suspension equated to smooth handling and precise control. Minor complaints included some wind noise at high speeds and awkward positioning of the driver's elbow. Yet, it remained clear: The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette delivered unparalleled performance.

The 4 Series offered two distinct powertrains. The 430i featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque, improving on its predecessor. The M440i was equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, generating 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, supported by a 48-volt starter/generator for better efficiency. Both models relied on an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual reserved for the upcoming M4.

Performance metrics showed the 430i xDrive reaching 60 mph in 5.5 seconds (5.3 seconds for AWD). The M440i xDrive clocked in at 4.3 seconds. Compared to competitors like the Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the 4 Series performed well, though our test car's transmission hesitations and underwhelming engine sound diminished the excitement.

Despite outfitting the Adaptive M Suspension, variable sport steering, and performance tires, the driving experience lacked engagement, leaning bland compared to the sheer thrill provided by the Corvette. This indicated the paramount difference between a good and a truly exhilarating ride.

In terms of practicality, the Corvette maintained a delicate balance between form and function. It accommodated various scenarios like commuting and road trips, despite its low nose making entry and exit somewhat tricky. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel added a touch of luxury with the 2LT and 3LT trims.

The Corvette's seating proved less accommodating, mainly if the optional competition seats were chosen, catering only to slimmer, fitter physiques. Storage inside the cabin was minimal, though a bin under the center armrest surprised with its capacity. The wireless smartphone charger positioned between the seats was not user-friendly in terms of accessibility.

Cargo space totaled 12.6 cubic feet, split between a front trunk (frunk) suitable for a carry-on suitcase and a rear trunk capable of holding two additional carry-ons or full-sized golf bags. The rear trunk, designed to house the coupe's removable roof panel, featured a high liftover height, making loading a bit challenging. Nonetheless, the Corvette provided a reasonable degree of utility for a mid-engine sports car.

Although no coupe excelled in practicality, the 4 Series performed admirably within its segment. Its front seat boasted more headroom and overall space than direct competitors like the Audi A5 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, offsetting its shorter legroom measurements.

The 4 Series’ cockpit offered a comfortable and logical layout, with the infotainment touchscreen within easy reach and cupholders positioned for optimal convenience. However, rear seat space remained restrictive, suitable mainly for children or sporadic adult use, limiting its practicality for day-to-day family activities.

In terms of cargo space, the 4 Series outpaced the competition with its relatively spacious trunk, demonstrating an advantage for those requiring a coupe versatile enough to handle daily or weekend errands. Overall, it stood as an appealing choice for drivers torn between needing practical space and desiring a sporty drive.

The 2020 Chevrolet Corvette stepped up its game in terms of technological offerings. Equipped with digital instrumentation, an advanced infotainment system, and an available head-up display (HUD), it combined intuitive user experience with comprehensive tech features.

The digital instrument panel adapted to different driving modes, emphasizing essential data in track settings. The HUD followed suit, providing visible data even with polarized sunglasses. The infotainment system, anchored by an 8-inch touchscreen, offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of connectivity options topped with a 14-speaker Bose system in higher trims.

Additional tech included a Performance Data Recorder for track enthusiasts, capable of overlaying performance metrics on recorded drives, and a front lift system that automatically adjusted front clearance based on stored GPS coordinates. While some minor conveniences like wireless smartphone projection were lacking, the Corvette covered all essential bases with its tech package.

The BMW 4 Series featured the latest iDrive 7 infotainment system, offering an 8.8-inch touchscreen and an instrument cluster combining analog and digital elements. The optional Live Cockpit Professional upgrade increased the screen sizes to a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Our test car’s Live Cockpit Professional boasted clear graphics and intuitive menus, navigable via the iDrive rotary controller, the touchscreen, or voice commands triggered by “Hey BMW.” Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Advanced options like the head-up display and wireless phone charging incurred additional costs.

While its tech setup was robust and user-friendly, the Corvette’s Performance Data Recorder and front lift system provided a slight edge, integrating high-performance capabilities with cutting-edge tech amenities.

Safety in the 2020 Corvette focused more on enhancing confidence rather than loading the car with extensive driver-assist features. Given its design, low-slung rear visibility was a challenge, addressed by a high-definition reversing camera and rear parking assist sensors.

Upper trims added substantial features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a curb-view camera system, and a rear camera mirror for an unobstructed rear view. Additionally, Teen Driver technology allowed monitoring of driving habits, although comprehensive crash ratings were unavailable at the time.

The 2021 BMW 4 Series included a suite of standard driver-assist features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and speed-limit information. Optional advanced adaptive cruise control was part of the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package, capable of bringing the car to a complete stop and restart in traffic, and maintaining lane position.