On racetracks and coastal drives alike, Ferrari’s 1981 lineup showed both competition intent and road-going refinement, reflecting an era of engineering variety. Whether you’re into single-seater prototypes or classic GTs, that year offers interesting contrasts across models.
There are 7 1981 Ferrari Models, ranging from the 126C to the Mondial 8. For each model, you’ll find below Production years, Engine (L, layout), Power (hp) to help you compare origins, drivetrain layout and output — all laid out so you can scan differences quickly; you’ll find below.
Which of the 1981 Ferrari models were race cars versus road cars?
Most entries in the list are road-going Ferraris (GTs and sports cars) built for private use and limited production, while the 126C is a Formula One race car developed specifically for the 1981 season; you can usually tell by chassis type, seating (single-seat vs two-seat), and recorded production numbers.
How should I use the table to compare performance across these models?
Focus on the Engine (L, layout) and Power (hp) columns to gauge potential performance—larger displacement and higher hp generally mean quicker acceleration, but also consider layout (mid- vs front-engined) for handling differences; use Production years to understand period technology and rarity.
1981 Ferrari Models
| Model | Production years | Engine (L, layout) | Power (hp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 308 GTB/GTS | 1975–1985 | 3.0 L V8 | 255 |
| Mondial 8 | 1980–1982 | 3.0 L V8 | 214 |
| 400i | 1979–1985 | 4.8 L V12 | 340 |
| 512 BB | 1976–1981 | 5.0 L flat‑12 | 360 |
| 512 BBi | 1981–1984 | 5.0 L flat‑12 | 340 |
| 126C | 1981–1984 | 1.5 L turbo V6 | 620 |
| 308 GTB(Group 4) | 1975–1985 | 3.0 L V8 | 300 |
Images and Descriptions
308 GTB/GTS
Mid‑engined V8 sports car sold as the coupe GTB and targa GTS; in 1981 it remained the accessible Ferrari classic with carburetted V8, popular on road and track and notable for balanced handling and strong aftermarket support.
Mondial 8
Ferrari’s 2+2 mid‑engine grand tourer introduced in 1980 and actively sold in 1981; the Mondial 8 offered family practicality with a V8, modest power for the brand and is interesting as the beginning of the Mondial line.
400i
Front‑engine 2+2 GT with Bosch fuel injection introduced as the “i” model in 1979; in 1981 it was Ferrari’s comfortable V12 cruiser option with optional automatic gearbox, prized for long‑distance refinement and road presence.
512 BB
The Berlinetta Boxer flagship with a mid‑mounted flat‑12; by 1981 the carburetted 512 BB was being phased toward fuel injection, making the BB a desirable late‑70s icon thanks to its distinct V12 note and rarity.
512 BBi
Introduced in 1981 with Bosch fuel injection to meet emissions and drivability needs; the BBi traded a bit of peak power for smoother running, representing Ferrari’s early-80s shift toward cleaner, more usable flagship cars.
126C
Ferrari’s 1981 Formula‑1 car that marked the factory’s committed move to turbocharged engines; the 126C ran the 1981 season with a high‑strung 1.5 L turbo V6 and is notable for signaling a new era in Ferrari racing.
308 GTB(Group 4)
Competition/homologation version of the road 308 GTB campaigned by privateers and factory‑backed teams; in 1981 Group‑4 308s were active in rally and sports events, offering a race‑ready, lighter take on the mid‑engined V8.
