1997 BMW S3 vs. 1984 Ferrari Testarossa
To start off, 1997 BMW S3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ferrari Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ferrari Testarossa would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1984 Ferrari Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa (386 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1997 BMW S3. (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ferrari Testarossa weights approximately 138 kg more than 1997 BMW S3. 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, 1984 Ferrari Testarossa (490 Nm) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 BMW S3. (330 Nm). This means 1984 Ferrari Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 BMW S3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 1984 Ferrari Testarossa | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | S3 | Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 386 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 490 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 258 km/hour | 275 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2460 mm |
