1974 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Ferrari 360
To start off, 2003 Ferrari 360 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ferrari 360 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1974 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1974 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ferrari 360 weights approximately 17 kg more than 1974 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, 2003 Ferrari 360 (373 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Ferrari 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2003 Ferrari 360 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 3 | 360 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 293 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2660 mm |
