1978 Ferrari 400 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1978 Ferrari 400. (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1978 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 355 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 400. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (830 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ferrari 400. (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ferrari 400. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 1978 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1978 Ferrari 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 400 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | CL |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 90 L |
