1998 BMW 316 vs. 1952 Ferrari 342 America
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Ferrari 342 America. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Ferrari 342 America would be higher. At 4,101 cc (12 cylinders), 1952 Ferrari 342 America is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Ferrari 342 America (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (103 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1952 Ferrari 342 America should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 308 kg more than 1952 Ferrari 342 America.
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. 1998 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1952 Ferrari 342 America has manual transmission. 1952 Ferrari 342 America will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1952 Ferrari 342 America | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 316 | 342 America |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 4101 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 105 L |
