1988 BMW M5 vs. 1984 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1988 BMW M5 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M5 (311 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 97 kg more than 1988 BMW M5.
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, 1984 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm). This means 1984 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1984 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M5 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
