1978 Ferrari 400 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 34 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 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 400 (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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 Ferrari 400 (422 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 400 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 400 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 66 L |
