1986 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa
To start off, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,943 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (385 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 360 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, 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (500 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1987 Ferrari Testarossa | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 4943 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2560 mm |
