2009 BMW 120 vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (155 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 445 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 120 | 400 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 120 L |
