1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 2007 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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 512 BBi | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1999 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 50 L |
