2003 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Ferrari 512 BB
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 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 248 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 512 BB.
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 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 512 BB 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 512 BB has manual transmission. 1980 Ferrari 512 BB 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 512 BB | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 512 BB |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| 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 | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 110 L |
