2008 BMW 318 vs. 1996 Ferrari 550
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 550 would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 550 (485 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 550 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 550 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2008 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 550 (568 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1996 Ferrari 550 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 318 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 568 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 114 L |
