1971 BMW 3 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 37 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 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 310 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1971 BMW 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 BMW 3. (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 3 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2610 mm |
