1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 21 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW Z3. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW Z3. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 308 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2450 mm |
