1987 Ferrari 208 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2008 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, 1987 Ferrari 208 (328 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ferrari 208 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 208 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 50 L |
