1988 BMW 535 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1988 BMW 535. 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 535 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 118 L |
