1976 Ferrari 512 BB vs. 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa
To start off, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (355 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB should accelerate faster than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ferrari 512 BB weights approximately 716 kg more than 1958 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, 1976 Ferrari 512 BB (460 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa. (205 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1976 Ferrari 512 BB will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ferrari 512 BB | 1958 Ferrari 500 Testarossa | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ferrari |
| Model | 512 BB | 500 Testarossa |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1985 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 684 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 88 L |
