1981 BMW 520 vs. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT
To start off, 1981 BMW 520 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 250 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 250 GT would be higher. At 2,952 cc (12 cylinders), 1959 Ferrari 250 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ferrari 250 GT (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ferrari 250 GT should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 1959 Ferrari 250 GT (262 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Ferrari 250 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1959 Ferrari 250 GT | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 250 GT |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
