1996 BMW 523 vs. 1988 Ferrari F40
To start off, 1996 BMW 523 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari F40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari F40 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari F40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari F40 (622 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 452 more horse power than 1996 BMW 523. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari F40 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 523 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1988 Ferrari F40.
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, 1988 Ferrari F40 (720 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 475 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 523. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari F40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 523 | 1988 Ferrari F40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 523 | F40 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 622 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 720 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1545 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 120 L |
