2008 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Ferrari 512 BB
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 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 118 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 512 BB.
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 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 512 BB 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 512 BB | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 512 BB |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 277 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 110 L |
