2006 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica would be higher. At 3,967 cc (12 cylinders), 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (335 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica weights approximately 41 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. (305 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1959 Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 400 Superamerica |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 119 L |
