2003 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 305 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 355 Spider |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1690 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 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 110 L |
