1971 BMW 3 vs. 1979 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 308 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1979 Ferrari 308.
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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1979 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 3 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2560 mm |
