1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 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 (315 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 638 kg more than 2007 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 400 (412 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1979 Ferrari 400 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ferrari 400 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 400 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 315 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 412 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 48 L |
