1996 BMW M3 vs. 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia
To start off, 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia is newer by 14 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 4,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia (570 HP @ 9000 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia weights approximately 5 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, 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia (539 Nm) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 458 Italia |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 570 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 9000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 539 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4526 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1938 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1214 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 86 L |
