1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 1996 Ferrari 512 TR
To start off, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,943 cc, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR (422 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 308. (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 308. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 512 TR weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308. 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, 1996 Ferrari 512 TR (501 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 512 TR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 1996 Ferrari 512 TR | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 308 | 512 TR |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 4943 cc |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 422 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 501 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2560 mm |
