2006 BMW 523 vs. 1980 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 327 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 208. 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1980 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 523 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2350 mm |
