1996 BMW 545 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1996 BMW 545 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 545 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 308. (255 HP @ 7700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 545 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308. 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. Let's talk about torque, 1996 BMW 545 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 545 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 545 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2560 mm |
