2005 BMW 520 vs. 1998 Ferrari 456M
To start off, 2005 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 456M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 456M would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 456M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 456M (435 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 2005 BMW 520. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 456M should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 456M weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 BMW 520. 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 456M (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari 456M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 520. 1998 Ferrari 456M has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ferrari 456M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 520 | 1998 Ferrari 456M | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 520 | 456M |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 435 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 110 L |
