1986 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 311 kg more than 1986 BMW M5. 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW M5. (310 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW M5. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M5 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 118 L |
