2009 BMW 120 vs. 1996 Ferrari F355
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (377 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1996 Ferrari F355 has manual transmission. 1996 Ferrari F355 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 | 1996 Ferrari F355 | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | 120 | F355 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| 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 | 168 HP | 377 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 82 L |
