1986 Ferrari 208 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 168 kg more than 1986 Ferrari 208.
Because 1986 Ferrari 208 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 Ferrari 208. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Ferrari 208 (329 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1986 Ferrari 208 has manual transmission. 1986 Ferrari 208 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ferrari 208 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 208 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 329 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1132 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 74 L | 55 L |
