2001 BMW 320 vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 351 kg more than 1981 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, 2001 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 320 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2350 mm |
