2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ferrari Maranello
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 Maranello. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari Maranello would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari Maranello is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari Maranello (478 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari Maranello should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Ferrari Maranello.
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 Maranello (563 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari Maranello 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 Maranello | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | Maranello |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 478 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 114 L |
