2003 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 77 kg more than 1978 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 308. (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 308 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2560 mm |
