1996 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 12 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 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 107 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 110 L |
