1988 BMW 520 vs. 1952 Ferrari 342 America
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Ferrari 342 America. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Ferrari 342 America would be higher. At 4,101 cc (12 cylinders), 1952 Ferrari 342 America is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Ferrari 342 America (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1952 Ferrari 342 America should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 480 kg more than 1952 Ferrari 342 America.
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. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1952 Ferrari 342 America has manual transmission. 1952 Ferrari 342 America will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1952 Ferrari 342 America | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 342 America |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4101 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 105 L |
