1988 BMW 520 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 20 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 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 361 more horse power than 1988 BMW 520. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 Ferrari F430.
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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 291 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 520. (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 18.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 110 L |
