1985 Ferrari 400 vs. 1981 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1985 Ferrari 400 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 4,822 cc (12 cylinders), 1985 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 208. 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, 1985 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ferrari 400 | 1981 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 400 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4822 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2350 mm |
