1986 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Ferrari 412 GT
To start off, 1986 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ferrari 412 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ferrari 412 GT would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 715 kg more than 1986 BMW M3. 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, 1985 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1985 Ferrari 412 GT | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 412 GT |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
