2009 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Ferrari Maranello
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari Maranello. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari Maranello would be higher. At 5,474 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari Maranello is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari Maranello (479 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2009 BMW M3. (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari Maranello should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari Maranello weights approximately 325 kg more than 2009 BMW M3. 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, 1998 Ferrari Maranello (563 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW M3. (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Ferrari Maranello will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1998 Ferrari Maranello | |
| Make | BMW | Ferrari |
| Model | M3 | Maranello |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 5474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 479 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 563 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| 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 | 1320 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 114 L |
