2003 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,309 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2003 BMW M3. (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 140 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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW M3. (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F430 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| 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 | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 18.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 110 L |
