1997 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 412 GT would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 585 kg more than 1997 BMW M3. 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, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 1988 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1988 Ferrari 412 GT | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 412 GT |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
