1996 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2007 Ferrari F430 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 138 kg more than 2007 Ferrari F430.
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, 2007 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (305 Nm). This means 2007 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2007 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
