1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa vs. 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 2,953 cc (12 cylinders), 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa (296 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa weights approximately 120 kg more than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. 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, 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa (300 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa | 1956 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 250 Testarossa | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2953 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 270 km/hour | 257 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 140 L | 88 L |
