1988 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia
To start off, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 1988 BMW M3. (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW M3.
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, 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 458 Italia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 4500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4526 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1938 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2649 mm |
