1951 Ferrari 212 vs. 1979 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1979 Ferrari 400 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ferrari 212. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ferrari 212 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1951 Ferrari 212. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1951 Ferrari 212. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 1049 kg more than 1951 Ferrari 212. 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, 1979 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ferrari 212. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ferrari 212 | 1979 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 212 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2562 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1973 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 159 L | 118 L |
