1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 565 kg more than 2010 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, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider has manual transmission. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 355 Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 48 L |
