2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2006 BMW M3. 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, 1996 Ferrari 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
Make | BMW | Ferrari |
Model | M3 | 550 |
Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 5474 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 355 HP | 485 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 370 Nm | 568 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1940 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2460 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 114 L |