1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider.
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 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 525. (350 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 525. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 355 Spider | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 294 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
