1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1986 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 123 kg more than 1986 Ferrari 208.
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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1986 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1986 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | Z3 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 254 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 253 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1132 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 74 L |
