2009 BMW M3 vs. 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 845 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 257 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 88 L |
