2006 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2006 BMW M5 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,998 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2006 BMW M5.
Because 2006 BMW M5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ferrari 400. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW M5 will offer significantly more control. 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 M5 (519 Nm) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 2006 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M5 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M5 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4998 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 519 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 120 L |
