2008 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,821 cc (12 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
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, 1980 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1980 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4821 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 120 L |
