1986 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1999 Ferrari F355 is newer by 13 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 3,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ferrari F355 (396 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1986 BMW M3. (197 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 240 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, 1999 Ferrari F355 (373 Nm) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M3. (240 Nm). This means 1999 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M3 | 1999 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2302 cc | 3589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 396 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| 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 | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2460 mm |
