1978 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Ferrari 360
To start off, 2004 Ferrari 360 is newer by 26 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 3,571 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ferrari 360 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ferrari 360 (400 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ferrari 360 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2004 Ferrari 360.
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, 2004 Ferrari 360 (374 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 520. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2004 Ferrari 360 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 2004 Ferrari 360 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 360 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 3571 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 295 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 4.5 seconds |
| 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 | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 17.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
