1988 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1988 BMW M3. 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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 74 L |
