2008 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 81 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi.
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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 318 | 512 BBi |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 120 L |
