1986 Ferrari 208 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 538 kg more than 1986 Ferrari 208.
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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 520. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1986 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ferrari 208 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 208 | 520 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1132 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 70 L |
