Ferrari 512 BB

Ferrari 512 BB: Which Version to Choose and Why

The Ferrari 512 BB catalogue contains two versions with the same exact name, 4.9 MT, so power output is the clearest way to distinguish them. Both belong to the model’s only generation, produced from 1976 to 1984 as a Coupe. Both use a 4,943 cc Gasoline engine with 12 cylinders in an Opposite layout, no boost, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD.

The Ferrari 512 BB catalogue contains two versions with the same exact name, 4.9 MT, so power output is the clearest way to distinguish them. Both belong to the model’s only generation, produced from 1976 to 1984 as a Coupe. Both use a 4,943 cc Gasoline engine with 12 cylinders in an Opposite layout, no boost, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and RWD. The central choice is between the 4.9 MT with 340 hp and the 4.9 MT with 360 hp. The 360 hp version offers the stronger performance figures, while the 340 hp version is 7 kg lighter.

Ferrari 512 BB generations and versions

The Ferrari 512 BB has one generation in the supplied catalogue. This 1 generation ran from 1976 through 1984 and was offered as a Coupe with two listed versions. Because there is no second generation in the data, there are no generation-to-generation changes to compare; the buying decision is entirely between the two 4.9 MT specifications within the same generation.

The versions share most of their mechanical specification, but their power and fuel-delivery systems differ. The 340 hp 4.9 MT uses Central injection (single-point or single- point), whereas the 360 hp 4.9 MT uses a Carburetor. Their rated power peaks also differ: the 340 hp version reaches its output at 6,000 rpm, while the 360 hp version reaches its output at 6,800 rpm.

Ferrari 512 BB engine and specs

With identical 4,943 cc displacement, the 340 hp 4.9 MT produces approximately 68.8 hp per litre, while the 360 hp 4.9 MT produces approximately 72.8 hp per litre. Choosing the 360 hp specification therefore adds 20 hp and 15 kW without increasing engine displacement. Its specific output is about 4.0 hp per litre higher.

Both engines have 2 valves per cylinder, a 9.2 compression ratio, and an 82 × 78 bore-and-stroke specification. Both use fuel labelled 92 in the data. Torque and the engine speeds at which peak torque occurs are not measured for either version.

Ferrari 512 BB performance, top speed and mpg

The 360 hp 4.9 MT has the more complete and stronger performance record. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and has a listed top speed of 290 km/h. Its top speed is 10 km/h higher than the 280 km/h figure for the 340 hp version. Acceleration to 100 km/h was not measured for the 340 hp 4.9 MT, so the data does not support a direct acceleration-time comparison.

Ferrari 512 BB mpg cannot be calculated from the supplied figures. City, highway and combined fuel consumption are all not measured for both 4.9 MT versions. CO₂ output and emissions class are also not measured, so neither version can be recommended on a documented economy or emissions advantage.

Ferrari 512 BB dimensions, weight and capacity

The 340 hp 4.9 MT is the lighter car at 1,499 kg, giving it a weight-to-power figure of approximately 4.41 kg per hp. The 360 hp 4.9 MT weighs 1,506 kg, but its additional power improves that figure to approximately 4.18 kg per hp. Although the 360 hp specification adds 7 kg, it reduces the weight carried per horsepower by about 0.23 kg.

There is no difference in the listed everyday capacity figures: both versions have 125 mm of ground clearance and a 120 L fuel tank. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured for either version. Both have an Independent, spring front suspension and Disc brakes at the front and rear; the rear suspension specification is not measured.

Which Ferrari 512 BB version should you buy?

Choose the 4.9 MT with 360 hp when performance is the priority. Compared with the 340 hp version, it provides 20 hp more from the same 4,943 cc displacement, raises top speed by 10 km/h and improves weight per horsepower from approximately 4.41 to 4.18 kg per hp. It is also the only version with a measured 0–100 km/h result, recorded at 5.2 seconds. Its trade-offs in the supplied data are a 7 kg higher kerb weight, peak power arriving 800 rpm later, and a Carburetor instead of Central injection (single-point or single- point).

Choose the 4.9 MT with 340 hp if the lower kerb weight and its listed Central injection (single-point or single- point) system matter more than maximum output. It weighs 1,499 kg rather than 1,506 kg and reaches its rated power at 6,000 rpm rather than 6,800 rpm. However, it gives up 20 hp and 10 km/h of listed top speed, and its 0–100 km/h time is not measured.

The data does not establish a fuel-economy, torque, tank-capacity, ground-clearance or drivetrain advantage for either choice. Both versions are Gasoline, 12-cylinder Opposite-layout, naturally aspirated 4.9 MT models with a 5-speed Manual gearbox, RWD, a 120 L tank and 125 mm of ground clearance. It also contains no price or reliability figures, so it cannot show what the extra performance costs or whether one version has fewer problems. On the measured specifications alone, the 4.9 MT with 360 hp is the stronger buy; the 4.9 MT with 340 hp is the lighter alternative.