1951 Ferrari 212 vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 47 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 2,562 cc (12 cylinders), 1951 Ferrari 212 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1951 Ferrari 212 (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1951 Ferrari 212 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 161 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Because 1951 Ferrari 212 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Ferrari 212. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1951 Ferrari 212 (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1951 Ferrari 212 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ferrari 212 | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 212 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2562 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 159 L | 55 L |
