1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1996 Ferrari F355
To start off, both 1996 BMW Z3 and 1996 Ferrari F355 were released in the same year (1996). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1996 BMW Z3. (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 BMW Z3. 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, 1996 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW Z3. (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW Z3. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari F355 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 | 1996 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | Z3 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 82 L |
