1996 BMW 540 vs. 1952 Ferrari 212
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1952 Ferrari 212. (168 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1952 Ferrari 212. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 735 kg more than 1952 Ferrari 212. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 1952 Ferrari 212 has manual transmission. 1952 Ferrari 212 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1952 Ferrari 212 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 540 | 212 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2562 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 58.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 159 L |
