1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2011 BMW 123. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 123. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 123 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 308 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2660 mm |
