1989 Ferrari 208 vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ferrari 208 (254 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1999 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, 1989 Ferrari 208 (328 Nm) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (241 Nm). This means 1989 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ferrari 208 | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 208 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85.1 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 | 1230 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2270 mm |
