1988 BMW 524 vs. 1951 Ferrari 212
To start off, 1988 BMW 524 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 2,562 cc (12 cylinders), 1951 Ferrari 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Ferrari 212 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1951 Ferrari 212 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 431 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212.
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, 1951 Ferrari 212 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1951 Ferrari 212 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1951 Ferrari 212 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 524 | 212 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 924 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |
