1983 Ferrari 308 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,855 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ferrari 308 (205 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 465 kg more than 1996 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, 1983 Ferrari 308 (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ferrari 308 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 308 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2855 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2270 mm |
