1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2008 Ferrari F430.
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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (465 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450. (378 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Ferrari |
| Model | 450 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4519 cc | 4309 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 315 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 4.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 110 L |
