1972 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Ferrari 348
To start off, 1988 Ferrari 348 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,404 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 348 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1972 BMW 520. 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, 1988 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1988 Ferrari 348 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 348 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
