2008 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Ferrari F355
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1997 Ferrari F355.
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, 1997 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm). This means 1997 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1997 Ferrari F355 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1997 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 318 | F355 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 294 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
