2002 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Ferrari 308
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 21 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 90 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 155 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 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 318. 2002 BMW 318 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. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1981 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 318 | 308 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2926 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 74 L |
