1979 Ferrari 308 vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (240 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 308 | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 308 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 50 L |
