1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 208 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2340 mm |
