2006 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2009 Ferrari F430 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW M3 would be higher. At 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ferrari F430 (483 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2006 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Ferrari F430.
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, 2009 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2009 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F430 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 483 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 311 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| 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 | 1595 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 18.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 95 L |
