1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. (182 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 795 kg more than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 500 Testarossa | 280 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 65 L |
