1978 Ferrari 400 vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 32 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, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 400. (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 400. 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 400 | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 400 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 63 L |
