2008 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ferrari 512 TR
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 512 TR. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 512 TR would be higher. At 4,943 cc, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR (422 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2008 BMW M3. (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1996 Ferrari 512 TR.
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 512 TR (501 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW M3. (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 512 TR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1996 Ferrari 512 TR | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 512 TR |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 4943 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 422 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2560 mm |
