1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 14 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 158 more horse power than 2012 BMW 525. (217 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 525.
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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. (363 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. 2012 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. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Ferrari | BMW |
| Model | 355 Spider | 525 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 70 L |
