1985 Ferrari 208 vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1985 Ferrari 208 is newer by 4 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 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 208 (217 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1985 Ferrari 208.
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, 1985 Ferrari 208 (240 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 208 | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 208 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2350 mm |
