1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 943 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 1979 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1979 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 400 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1973 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 118 L | 48 L |
