4 Series vs Corvette
In the sports car class, the 4 Series and the Corvette are natural rivals. On the overall scorecard, the 4 Series is ahead: 2 of 4 areas, with fuel economy & range doing the heavy lifting.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corvette wins
- Fuel Economy & Range 4 Series wins
- Space & Practicality 4 Series wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance2.1
- Fuel Economy & Range7.2
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Corvette has 235 hp more power
The Corvette’s 490 hp leaves the 4 Series’s 255 hp well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The 4 Series has better fuel economy
Not a close call. The 4 Series lists 31 mpg and the Corvette lists 19 mpg. That’s a substantial gap. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
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The 4 Series has room for 4 seats
Among all the differences on this page, 4 seats against 2 seats is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the 4 Series. The 4 Series has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools.
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The Corvette has 170 lb-ft more torque
The 4 Series gives up a lot on torque: 295 lb-ft, compared with 465 lb-ft on the Corvette. The Corvette’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
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The 4 Series has better city fuel economy
Few buyers will miss this one. The 4 Series brings 28 mpg to the table; the Corvette brings 16 mpg. In town, driving style has a big effect, but the 4 Series starts from a better baseline.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 182.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 48.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Corvette leads
If engine & performance is high on your list, the Corvette makes the stronger case by a wide margin. The Corvette brings 235 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. Net result: the Corvette leads this part of the comparison.
Total system output
4 Series: 255 hp Corvette: 490 hp The Corvette’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
4 Series: 295 lb-ft Corvette: 465 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
4 Series leads
When it comes to fuel economy & range, the 4 Series is comfortably ahead. Point to the 4 Series for better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. Anyone shopping mainly on fuel economy & range should start with the 4 Series.
Fuel economy (combined)
4 Series: 31 mpg Corvette: 19 mpg The 4 Series uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
4 Series: 28 mpg Corvette: 16 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the 4 Series has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
4 Series leads
The 4 Series wins the space & practicality section decisively. The 4 Series pulls ahead with room for 4 seats. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there. That makes the 4 Series the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Seats
4 Series: 4 seats Corvette: 2 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The 4 Series and the Corvette match each other closely in this area. For off-road & towing, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the 4 Series and the Corvette list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 6.2L V8 |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 490 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 31 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg (winner) | 16 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 36 mpg (winner) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 seats (winner) | 2 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 12.6 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Chevy Safety Assist |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 182.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 76.1 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 48.6 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 107.2 in |
Price
| Spec | 4 Series | Corvette |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $68,300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 4 Series if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (31 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you need more seats (4 seats vs 2 seats)
- you want better city fuel economy (28 mpg vs 16 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (36 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
Choose the Corvette if…
- you want more power (490 hp vs 255 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (465 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Chevrolet and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the 4 Series or the Corvette?
The 4 Series wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d rather have 235 hp more power on the Corvette.
Executive Summary
The 4 Series and the Corvette come from rival camps, BMW and Chevrolet, but they’re chasing the same person: you. I think the 4 Series makes its strongest case with better fuel economy. Another thing in the 4 Series’s favor is room for 4 seats. I’ll admit the Corvette has a point with 235 hp more power.
The way I see it, people who prioritize fuel economy & range will be happier with the 4 Series, and those who prioritize engine & performance with the Corvette.
My pick: the 4 Series; the one scenario where I’d reach for the Corvette is if your top priority is 235 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.