1997 Ferrari F355 vs. 2009 BMW 320
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 12 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 228 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 140 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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 320. (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 320. 2009 BMW 320 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. 2009 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ferrari F355 | 2009 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | F355 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 63 L |
