2009 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Ferrari F512 M
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F512 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F512 M would be higher. At 7,255 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F512 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1996 Ferrari F512 M. (376 HP @ 8250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ferrari F512 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F512 M weights approximately 130 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 F512 M (719 Nm) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (401 Nm). This means 1996 Ferrari F512 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1996 Ferrari F512 M | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | F512 M |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 7255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 376 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 320 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 2090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
