1998 BMW 729 vs. 2004 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2004 Ferrari F430 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 729. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 729 would be higher. At 4,307 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 302 more horse power than 1998 BMW 729. (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 729. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 729 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2004 Ferrari F430.
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, 2004 Ferrari F430 (474 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 729. (410 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 729. 1998 BMW 729 has automatic transmission and 2004 Ferrari F430 has manual transmission. 2004 Ferrari F430 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 729 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 729 | 2004 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 729 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 4307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2660 mm |
