1997 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Ferrari F355
To start off, 1997 BMW 316 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (377 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 1997 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1997 BMW 316. 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 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 316 | 1996 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 316 | F355 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 82 L |
