1997 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2000 Ferrari 550 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW M3 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 2000 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ferrari 550 (478 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1997 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 390 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, 2000 Ferrari 550 (563 Nm) has 327 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW M3. (236 Nm). This means 2000 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 2000 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 478 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 299 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
