1988 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1996 Ferrari F355 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (380 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1996 Ferrari F355 (364 Nm) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari F355 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 | 1996 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
