1998 BMW M vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW M would be higher. At 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1998 BMW M. (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1998 BMW M. 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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW M. (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW M. 2008 Ferrari F430 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW M has manual transmission. 1998 BMW M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ferrari F430 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M | F430 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 110 L |
