1962 Ferrari 250 GTE vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1981 Ferrari 400 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. (235 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE. (245 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 250 GTE | 400 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2953 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 140 L | 120 L |
