2007 BMW M5 vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2007 BMW M5 is newer by 26 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), 2007 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 400.
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, 2007 BMW M5 (520 Nm) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 2007 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400. 2007 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M5 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M5 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 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 | 520 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 120 L |
