1999 BMW M5 vs. 1980 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1999 BMW M5 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 4,900 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW M5 (401 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW M5 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 208. 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, 1999 BMW M5 (499 Nm) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm). This means 1999 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW M5 | 1980 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M5 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4900 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 499 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2350 mm |
