2006 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Ferrari 208
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 244 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1980 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 208 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2350 mm |
