1997 BMW 850 vs. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 545 kg more than 1976 Ferrari 512 BB.
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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. (460 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ferrari 512 BB. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ferrari 512 BB has manual transmission. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1976 Ferrari 512 BB | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 850 | 512 BB |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 4942 cc |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2510 mm |
