2003 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 550.
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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari 550 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari 550 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 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 320 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 | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 114 L |
