1978 BMW 520 vs. 1991 Ferrari 512 TR
To start off, 1991 Ferrari 512 TR is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,943 cc, 1991 Ferrari 512 TR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Ferrari 512 TR (422 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Ferrari 512 TR should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1991 Ferrari 512 TR.
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, 1991 Ferrari 512 TR (501 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1991 Ferrari 512 TR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1991 Ferrari 512 TR | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 512 TR |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 4943 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 422 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2560 mm |
