1978 Ferrari 400 vs. 2009 BMW 120
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 390 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 1978 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (351 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 400 | 2009 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 400 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 351 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 51 L |
