2003 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 412 GT would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. (340 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 500 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1988 Ferrari 412 GT | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 412 GT |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 120 L |
