1996 BMW M3 vs. 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. 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 M3 (320 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
