2003 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Ferrari 308
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 416 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1980 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1980 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 308 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2350 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 74 L |
