1994 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1994 BMW M5. (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 287 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi.
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 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW M5. (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M5 | 512 BBi |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3793 cc | 4942 cc |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1786 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
