1996 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1997 Ferrari F355 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 146 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 @ 6000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1997 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
