1998 BMW 317 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 BMW 317. 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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 317 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
