1996 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 493 kg more than 1996 BMW M3. 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 118 L |
