1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2002 BMW Z3. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Ferrari F355.
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 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW Z3. (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW Z3. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1997 Ferrari F355 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | F355 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 51 L |
