1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1985 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1985 Ferrari 208.
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, 1998 BMW Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ferrari 208. (240 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1985 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | Z3 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
