2003 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ferrari F355
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (380 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 385 kg more than 2003 BMW M3. 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, 1996 Ferrari F355 (364 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1996 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F355 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
