1999 BMW 323 vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,926 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 177 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
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, 1981 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 323. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 323. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 323 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
