1998 Ferrari F355 vs. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi
To start off, 1998 Ferrari F355 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. (340 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 149 kg more than 1998 Ferrari F355.
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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ferrari F355. (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ferrari F355.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari F355 | 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | F355 | 512 BBi |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 4942 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 120 L |
