1951 Ferrari 212 vs. 1999 McLaren F1
To start off, 1999 McLaren F1 is newer by 48 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 6,061 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 McLaren F1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 McLaren F1 (618 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 478 more horse power than 1951 Ferrari 212. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 McLaren F1 should accelerate faster than 1951 Ferrari 212. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 McLaren F1 weights approximately 246 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, 1999 McLaren F1 (649 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 433 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ferrari 212. (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 McLaren F1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ferrari 212.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ferrari 212 | 1999 McLaren F1 | |
| Make | Ferrari | McLaren |
| Model | 212 | F1 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2562 cc | 6061 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
