2003 BMW 520 vs. 1988 Ferrari 348
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 348. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 348 would be higher. At 3,404 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 348 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 348 (295 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 348 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1988 Ferrari 348.
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, 1988 Ferrari 348 (323 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 348 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1988 Ferrari 348 has manual transmission. 1988 Ferrari 348 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 | 1988 Ferrari 348 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 348 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 3404 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 295 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 95 L |
