2003 BMW M3 vs. 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 701 kg more than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
