2004 BMW M3 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2004 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW M3 (317 HP @ 7250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 198 kg more than 2004 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW M3. (355 Nm). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW M3 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1775 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 118 L |
