1951 Ferrari 212 vs. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1951 Ferrari 212. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1951 Ferrari 212. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 575 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212. 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 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ferrari 212. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ferrari 212 | 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 212 | 512 BBi |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2562 cc | 4942 cc |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 159 L | 120 L |
