1997 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Ferrari F40
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ferrari F40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ferrari F40 would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari F40 (472 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari F40 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1987 Ferrari F40.
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, 1987 Ferrari F40 (575 Nm) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1987 Ferrari F40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1987 Ferrari F40 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F40 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 2936 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 472 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
