1980 Ferrari 512 BB vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 512 BB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 512 BB would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 512 BB weights approximately 427 kg more than 1999 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, 1980 Ferrari 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 336 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ferrari 512 BB | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 512 BB | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1498 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 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 | 1452 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 50 L |
