1988 BMW 535 vs. 1997 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1997 Ferrari F355.
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, 1997 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 535. (305 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 535. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1997 Ferrari F355 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 | 1997 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 535 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
